Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, November 24, 1862

MEMPHIS, Nov. 24, 1862.

Dear Brother:

I am just back from Columbus, Ky., where I went to meet Gen. Grant. I start on Wednesday, with all the troops that can be spared from Memphis, to co-operate with Grant against the enemy now enforced behind the Tallahatchee, about 60 miles S.E. of Memphis. Grant may have about 35,000 and I shall take 17,000. Our old regiments are very small, and I am sorry to learn that no recruits are ready to fill them up. So much clamor was raised about the draft that I really was led to believe there was something in it, but now I suppose it was one of those delusions of which the papers are so full. Your letter of the 16th is before me. I could write a good deal on the points that you make, but hardly have time to do them justice. The late election doesn't disturb me a particle. The people have so long been accustomed to think they could accomplish anything by a vote, that they still think so; but now a vote is nothing more than a change and will produce no effect. The war might have been staved off a few years, or the issue might have been made up more clearly, or the first enthusiasm of the country might have been better taken advantage of; but these are now all past, and fault-finding will do no good. We are involved in a war that will try the sincerity of all our professions of endurance, courage and patriotism. Leaders will of course be killed off by the score. Thousands will perish by the bullet or sickness; but war must go on — it can't be stopped. The North must rule or submit to degradation and insult forevermore. The war must now be fought out. The President, Congress, no earthly power can stop it without absolute submission. . . .

Of course I foresaw all these complications at the outset, and was amused at the apathy of the country after the South had begun the war by the seizure of arsenals, forts, mints and public property, and still more at the call for 75,000 volunteers, when a million was the least that any man who had ever been South would have dreamed of. These half-way measures at the start only add labor in the end. . . .

McClernand is announced as forming a grand army to sweep the Mississippi, when, the truth is, he is in Springfield, Ill., trying to be elected to the U. S. Senate. I believe at this moment we have more men under pay at home than in the field, and suppose there is no help for it. If you want to make a good law, make a simple one, “No work, no pay.” No pay unless on duty at the place where the army is. That would save tens of millions per annum.

I leave here the day after to-morrow for Tehullahoma, to communicate with Grant at Holly Springs. Our joint forces should reach near 50,000 men, but sickness and other causes will keep us down to about 40,000.

Yours affectionately,

W. T. SHERMAN

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 168-70

Later from Ft. Pickens

NEW YORK, March 25. – The brig Island Blade has arrived from Ft. Pickens, with dates to the 11th inst. And Key West to the 17th.

The impression was that Gen. Bragg had left Pensacola, and parties with glasses say the rebel guns had been turned in-land, probably in expectation of a visit from Gen. Butler.

Four contrabands, who escaped say there are but 3,000 troops at Pensacola, and that they are poorly armed.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, February 2, 1862

Nothing of importance. We had preaching in the forenoon and prayer meeting in the afternoon.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 31

1860 Presidential Election: The Candidates

	Party	Home State	Running Mate
Abraham Lincoln	Republican	Illinois	Hannibal Hamlin
Stephen A. Douglas	Northern Democratic	Illinois	Joseph Lane
John C. Breckinridge	Southern Democratic	Kentucky	Edward Everett
John Bell	Constitutional Union	Tennessee	Herschel V. Johnson

Senator John Sherman to Major General William T. Sherman, November 16, 1862

MANSFIELD, OHIO, Nov. 16, 1862.

Dear Brother:

Two matters now excite attention among politicians. What is the cause and what will be the effect of the recent elections, and what are we to do about our depreciated paper money. No doubt many causes conspire to defeat the Union parties. The two I will name were the most influential, and yet the least will be said about them.

The first is, that the Republican organization was voluntarily abandoned by the President and his leading followers, and a no-party Union was formed to run against an old, well-drilled party organization. This was simply ridiculous. It was as if you should disband your army organization because it was tyrannical, and substitute the temporary enthusiasm of masses to fight regular armies. Political as well as military organization is necessary to success. Ward meetings, committees, conventions, party cries are just as necessary in politics, as drills, reviews, &c., are in war, so the Republicans have found out. If they have the wisdom to throw overboard the old debris that joined them in the Union movement, they will succeed. If not, they are doomed.

The other prominent reason for defeat is, the people were dissatisfied at the conduct and results of the war. The slow movements on the Potomac and worse still in Kentucky dissatisfied and discouraged people. It was a little singular that the Democrats, some of whom opposed the war, should reap the benefit of this feeling, but such is the fate of parties. Lincoln was a Republican. He put and kept in these slow generals and we shall be punished for it by having an organized opposition limiting appropriations. No doubt the wanton and unnecessary use of the power to arrest without trial and the ill-timed proclamation contributed to the general result. The other matter I allude to is demanding careful consideration. As it is my line of official duty, I have formed certain theories which may be all wrong; but as they are the result of reflection, I will act upon them. My remedy for paper money is, by taxation, to destroy the banks and confine the issue to Government paper. Let this only issue, as it is found to be difficult to negotiate the bonds of the government. As a matter of course there will a time come when this or any scheme of paper money will lead to bankruptcy, but that is the result of war and not of any particular plan of finance. I watch your course closely and take great interest and pride in your success.

Affectionately your brother,

JOHN SHERMAN

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 167-8

Kingston, N. C. Taken

NEW YORK, March 25. – Advices per officers of the George Peabody state, according to contrabands, that our forces had taken Kingston, N. C., without sustaining losses.

The Rebel loss – killed and wounded is not fully credited.

Kingston is on the R. R. to Goldsboro.

The Union forces found at Newbern 500 of the finest Enfield rifles, part of the cargo of the Nashville, which brought 3,000.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

From Winchester and Strasburg

WASHINGTON, March 25. – A dispatch received here late last night from Winchester says that Gen. Banks was then two miles from Strasburg, which place he intended to take to-day.

WASHINGTON, March 25. – Information received her shows that our army was at Strasburgh [sic] this morning and that the retreat of the enemy is a fight.  No details of the battle at Winchester have yet been received.

Officers of the army and correspondents were too busy yesterday pursuing the rebels to find time to give information to the public regarding the battle.  Our army encamped last night several miles distant from any telegraph station.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, February 1, 1862

I commenced cooking for twenty men of our company. None of the boys likes cooking, so the seven messes have been consolidated into three with a cook for each. Mess numbers 1 and 2 have been united, becoming mess number 1, and I am to be the cook.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 31

Good for the 1st Iowa Cavalry

ST. LOUIS, March 24. – The following is a copy of a dispatch to the Secretary of War:

“A detachment of the 1st Iowa Cavalry sent out from Jefferson city by Gen. Totten against a guerrilla band had a skirmish with the enemy killing and wounding one and taking seventy-five prisoners, over twenty horses, forty-eight kegs of powder and a quantity of arms were captured.  Our loss was four wounded.

(Signed.)

H. W. HALLECK,

Major General.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, 

Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, October 1, 1862

MEMPHIS, Oct. 1, 1862.

Dear Brother:

I did not expect you would come if the confederates got possession of Kentucky. Even on the Mississippi the boats are fired on daily. I have been compelled to burn down one town and resort to retaliation. I understand Prentiss has ordered back from Helena a part of the forces towards St. Louis, on the ground that the confederates are again advancing on Missouri. I rather think you now agree with me that this is no common war, that it was not going to end in a few months or a few years. For after eighteen months’ war the enemy is actually united, armed, and determined, with powerful forces well handled, disciplined and commanded on the Potomac, the Ohio, the Missouri. You must now see that I was right in not seeking prominence at the outstart. I knew and know yet that the northern people have to unlearn all their experience of the past thirty years and be born again before they will see the truth. . . .

The South has united people and as many men as she can arm, and though our armies pass across and through the land, the war closes in behind and leaves the same enemy behind. We attempt to occupy places, and the people rise up and make the detachments prisoners. I know you all recognize in these facts simply that Mason is a coward, Ford an ass, McClellan slow, Buell over-cautious, and Wright timid. This may all be so, but the causes lie deeper. Everybody thought I exaggerated the dangers, so I have no right to an opinion, but I rather think many now see the character of the war in which we are engaged. I don't see the end or the beginning of the end, but suppose we must prevail and persist or perish. I don't believe that two nations can exist within our old limits, and therefore that war is on us and we must fight it out. . . .

When anybody tells you that I ever doubted your honesty and patriotism, tell him he says false. I may have said you were a politician and that we differed widely in the origin of this war, but that being in it, we fully agreed that it must be fought out. But you have more faith than I in the people. They are not infallible. People may err as much as men, as individuals and whole communities may err. Can the people of the North be right and the South too? One of the peoples must be wrong. . . .

Your brother,

W. T. SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 165-6

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, January 31, 1862

This is the end of January. Company E has been at Lookout Station thirty-seven days, and while our army service has not been hard, yet we are anxious to leave for more active service.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 31

From Newbern and Hatteras Inlet

NEW YORK, March 25. – The steamer George Peabody, from Newbern 22d, via Hatteras Sunday, has arrived here.  She left at the Inlet the Steamers New Brunswick and Louisiana with many of the wounded from the Burnside expedition.

The steamer Spaulding left on Sunday for Fortress Monroe with a part of the rebel prisoners.

The Peabody touched at Hampton Roads, where she saw a large fleet at anchor.

The expedition to Beaufort, North Carolina, had not been reported back, except the capture of the Nashville by our blockading fleet as she was leaving the place on the approach of our troops.

The Peabody returns immediately with stores.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

From Fortress Monroe

FORT MONROE, March 25. – A flag of truce went to Norfolk to-day, but brought no news.

The Norfolk Day Book of this morning has the following:

RICHMOND, March 23. – The House of Representatives have adopted a resolution to apply a portion of the money belonging to the contingent fund, to the aid and relief of the captured troops now in the hands of the enemy as prisoners of war.

Heavy reinforcements are being sent to Old Point.  We learn that fourteen Federal steamers were at Old Point on Sunday, loading with troops, supposed to be for the Burnside Expedition.

RICHMOND, March 23. – The new Cabinet of President Davis has been formed:  Secretary of State, J. P. Benjamin, of Louisiana; Secretary of War, John Randolph, of Virginia; Secretary of Navy, S. R. Mallory, of Florida; Secretary of Treasury, C. G. Meminger, of South Carolina;  Attorney-General, Theodore Watts; Postmaster General, Reagin of Texas.

The new troops are pouring into this city. – Six or seven of the new regiments arrived in this neighborhood on Sunday by Railroad.

President Davis has declared martial law over the counties of Elizabeth City, York, Warwick, Gloster and Mathews.

Accounts are given in the Norfolk Day Book of an engagement near the Warrenton station on the Orange & Alexandria Railroad on Saturday last between 300 rebel cavalry, under Gen. Steward, and 500 Yankee cavalry.  40 of the latter are reported killed and 100 wounded. – We are said to have lost 6 killed and 18 wounded.

We take the above from the Lynchburg Virginian.

67 citizens of Lomdom were sent to Richmond on the Central cars Thursday night and committed to the military prison.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

41st Tennessee Infantry, CSA

The 41st Regiment Tennessee Infantry was organized in November 1862, with ten companies A to K.  It was surrendered at Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 16, 1862; released at Vicksburg, Miss., about September 20, 1862; immediately re-organized; and declared exchanged at Aiken’s Landing, Va., Nov. 10, 1862.  The men not captured at Fort Donelson were assigned to other commands until after re-organization.  The regiment was consolidated with the 19th and 24th Regiments Tennessee Infantry about January, 1864, and formed a temporary field organization.

About April 9, 1865, the 4th, 5th, 19th, 24th, 31st, 33d, 35th, 38th and 41st Regiments Tennessee Infantry were consolidated and formed the 3d Consolidated Regiment Tennessee Infantry which was paroled at Greensboro, N. C., May 1, 1865.

SOURCE:  Printed on the bottom of each card in the Compiled Service Records of John T. Gregory, Private, Co. F, 41st Tennessee Infantry, from the National Archives and Records Administration downloaded from www.fold3.com. 

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, January 30, 1862

A part of our company went out into the timber to gather persimmons. They are very plentiful in this locality; the trees are quite large and some of them are loaded with the finest fruit.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 31

20th Tennessee Infantry, CSA

Overview: 20th Infantry Regiment was organized during May and June, 1861, at Camp Trousdale, Tennessee, and in July contained 880 men. Its companies were raised in the counties of Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Sumner, Perry, Wayne, Humphreys, Hickman, Smith, Macon, and Wilson. It moved to Virginia, then Cumberland Gap, and later saw action at Fishing Creek, Shiloh, and Baton Rouge. After serving in the Vicksburg area, it was assigned to General Preston's, Bate's, Tyler's, and Palmer's Brigade, Army of Tennessee. The 20th fought with the army from Murfreesboro to Atlanta, returned to Tennessee with Hood, and was involved in the North Carolina Campaign. It had 505 effectives in September, 1861, suffered 110 casualties at Fishing Creek, and of the 400 engaged at Shiloh, forty-seven percent were disabled. The unit lost forty-eight percent of the 183 at Chickamauga, had few casualties at Missionary Ridge, and in December 1863, totalled 203 men and 123 arms. Only a handful surrendered on April 26, 1865. The field officers were Colonels Joel A. Battle, William M. Shy, and Thomas B. Smith; Lieutenant Colonels Mosco B. Carter, John S. Gooch, and Frank M. Lavender; and Majors Frederick Claybrooke, Patrick Duffy, John F. Guthrie, and Hency C. Lucas.

SOURCE: Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System

John T. Gregory, Private, Co. F, 41st Tennessee Infantry, CSA: Compiled Service Record

Appears on Company Muster Roll for Nov. 1, 1862 to Feb. 10, 1863.  Enlisted When: Nov. 6, 1862.  Where: Shelbyville.  By whom: Lt. Frierson.  Period: 3 yr.  Present.

Appears on Company Muster Roll of the organization named above, for Feb. 28 to June 30, 1863.  Enlisted When: Nov. 15, 1862.  Where: Shelbyville.  Period: 3 yr.  Present.

Appears on Company Muster Roll of the organization named above for June 30 to Aug. 8, 1863.  Enlisted When: Nov. 13, 1862.  Where: Shelbyville, Tenn.  By whom: Lt. Frierson.  Period: 3 yr.  Last paid by whom: Capt. Hughes.  To what time: March 13, 1863.  Present.

Appears on Company Muster Roll of the organization named above, for Aug. 8 to Oct. 3, 1863.  Enlisted When: Nov. 20, 1862.  Where: Shelbyville, Tenn.  By whom: Lt. Frierson.  Period: 3 years.  Last paid by whom: Capt. Hughes.  To what time: July 1, 1863.  Present.

Appears on Company Muster Roll of the organization named above, for Nov. & Dec., 1863.  Dated Dec, 31, 1863.  Enlisted when: Nov. 4, 1862.  Where: Shelbyville.  By whom: Lt. Frierson.  Period 3 yr.  Last paid by whom: Capt. Hughes.  To what time: Aug. 31, 186[3].  Remarks: Deserted Feb. 1864.

Appears on Company Muster Roll of the Organization named above, for Jan. & Feb., 1864.  Enlisted when: Nov. 20, 1862.  Where: Shelbyville.  By whom: Lt. Prierson.  Period 3 yr.  Last Paid by whom: Capt. Hughes.  To what time: Aug. 31, 1863.  Remarks: Deserted.  Accoutrements destroyed to the amount of $67.29.  Dropped on last Muster roll, but the charges were omitted.

Name appears as signature to an Oath of Allegiance to the United States, subscribed and sworn to on the day and year set opposite the several names.  Place of residence: Bedford Co., Tenn.  Complexion: Dark.  Hair: Black.  Eyes: Hazel; Height: 5 ft. 7 in.  Feb. 25, 1864.  Signs by mark.  Indorsement shows: “Roll of deserters from rebel army released on taking Oath of Amnesty at Chattanooga, Tenn.”  Number of roll: 6; sheet 1.

SOURCE: Compiled Service Records of John T. Gregory, Private, Co. F, 41st Tennessee Infantry, from the National Archives and Records Administration downloaded from www.fold3.com. 

From Dixie

CHICAGO, March 25. – The Tribune’s Special from Cairo says that a gentleman just from Memphis brings the following information:

Memphis is in a state of agitation and terror.  The Fair grounds are for a camp, every one capable of bearing arms being impressed into the service.  Men are even dragged from their beds.

The proclamation of the Mayor in regard to burning the city has no influence.  The majority of the Aldermen, in connection with the leading military officers, decided at a meeting held a fortnight ago, to burn the city when they evacuate in spite of the mayor.

There are no fortifications at Memphis.  The news of the battle of Pea Ridge caused great depression.  Federal gunboats expected daily. – Two hundred and five Union prisoners in the city, who are made victims of much abuse at the hands of the guards.  One of them was shot at for looking out of a window.  Three gun boats are on the way at Memphis, but it will take a long time to finish.

At Randolph only four guns are mounted, but at Ft. Pillow, however, there is a strong fortification, mounting 25 sixty-fours and thirty-twos.  There are about 7000 troops there.  At Union City there are only 450 troops.

Gens. Beauregard, Cheatham, Polk and Clark went to Corinth, Mississippi, a fortnight ago. – The rebels have a force of 38,000 men there and expect to make a stand either at Corinth or below.  It was the general impression that this battle would be the decisive one of the campaign, and that the fortunes of the South would hang upon its result.

At Memphis and other large points, even at New Orleans, considerable Union feeling prevails.  Southern papers do not represent the feelings of the mass of people.  They as well as everything else are under control of politicians and the military.

At New Orleans thirteen gunboats are on the ways to be plated with railroad iron.

Fort Pike represented to be in our possession was only a temporary structure mounting only three or four guns.

The report that the South is well supplied with provisions is absurd; they have not stock enough on hand to last three months.  Clothing, shoes, &c., are all very difficult to obtain.  No confidence is felt in southern currency, southern politicians or southern military leaders.  Jeff. Davis was universally denounced as incompetent.  Floyd is everywhere considered an arrant knave.

Mr[s]. Buckner had arrived at Memphis.  She complained of not being allowed to go further north than Cairo.  In the parlor of the Gaiso House she attracted the universal attention by her bitter denunciation of Pillow and Floyd.  The former is reported to have said that he would shoot Floyd whenever he met him.

It was the general opinion at Memphis that no stand would be made at Island No. 10, but that a battle would be risked at Fort Pillow. – At the latter place, however, retreat is cut off by land, as the country in the rear is inundated and swampy.

A detachment from Jeff Thompson’s band under the command of rebel Kithen made a demonstration in the vicinity of Bloomfield, Stoddard Co., Missouri, (about 12 miles north of the Cairo & Fulton Railroad) and succeeded in arresting two ladies residing there – the wife of Lieutenant McCall of Powell’s battery and Mrs. D. Basfort, of Bloomfield.  The ladies have been taken to Commerce Island, seventy miles below Bloomfield, near Arkansas, where Jeff’s camp is located.

Col. Michael Foley, of the 18th Illinois, who was wounded at Benton Barracks, arrived to-day en route for Pittsburg.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

Senator John Sherman to Major General William T. Sherman, September 23, 1862

MANSFIELD, OHIO, Sept. 23rd, 1862.

Dear Brother:

The rapid change in our military condition in Kentucky drew to Cincinnati an immense body of irregular forces as well as a large number of the new regiments. I went there with the intention, if advisable, to go to Memphis, but all thought it wrong for me to venture. . . .

Since the date of your letter the condition of affairs has changed very much for the worse. The sudden over running of Kentucky, the surrender of Murfreesville, the battle of Richmond, the long and unaccountable delay of Buell, have all combined to make a gloomy feeling here, but do not affect the resolution to fight this war to a successful conclusion. We are now anxiously awaiting further movements in Kentucky by Buell. If he fails it is manifest a year is lost and our new levies will have to commence the war in the West over again. The terrible battles in Maryland and the retreat of the rebels into Virginia give only a ray of comfort, for we lost more than we gained. The surrender at Harper's Ferry loses us more material of war than the entire train of rebels is worth. And even now it is uncertain whether the retreat into Virginia is not a part of the plan of operations originally designed to carry the war into Western Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio. As one of the bad signs I regret to notice so many quarrels between officers. . . .

The feeling among the people is general that the regular officers are indisposed to treat with decent civility those who, like most of the great military men of history, are educated in the field rather than in the school. And it is feared that habits of education and association make them feel indifferent of the success of the war — fighting rather from a pride of duty than from an earnest conviction that the rebellion must be put down with energy. Since Halleck went to Washington every movement is left to him absolutely. No interference or even advice is tendered. He has chosen his own officers, and if he fails I see nothing left but for the people to resort to such desperate means as the French and English did in their revolutions.

I am rejoiced that you have been able to keep out of the adversities that have befallen us. Your course in Memphis is judicious. Your speech I can heartily endorse. I hope you can maintain yourself at Memphis until relieved, and I have no doubt you will fill an honorable place in the history of our times. By the way, I received within a day or two a letter from a gentleman of the highest political status containing this passage: “Within the last few days I heard an officer say he heard your brother the General, abuse you roundly at Corinth as one of the blank abolitionists who had brought on the war, and that he was ashamed to own you as a brother.”  I have no doubt the officer said this but I knew you did not, and so contradicted it with decided emphasis. I only repeat it now to show you how persistently efforts are being made to separate the class of high regular officers to which you belong from civilians. Whenever that separation is effected all important commands will gradually be transferred to such officers as Banks, Sigel, Morgan, Nelson, and to such regular officers as show a sympathy with the Radical faction as Hunter, Fremont and Doubleday. I earnestly deprecate all such tendencies. I want the war conducted regularly according to the tenets of civilized warfare. I prefer regular officers and scarcely ever criticise them and never in public, but if the time shall come when emancipation of blacks and civilization of whites is necessary in order to preserve the unity of this country, then I would prefer a fanatic like John Brown to lead our armies and an abolitionist like Chase with brains and energy to guide our counsels.

Affectionately yours,

JOHN SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 163-5

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, January 29, 1862

Our company has had a fine time while at Lookout Station and the men are all in good health with the exception of two or three who are suffering from varioloid as a result of vaccination.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 31

David C. Parkhurst, Private, Co. E, 20th Tennessee Infantry, CSA: Compiled Service Records

Appears on a register of Prisoners of War, Department of the Cumberland.  When captured: Dec. 1, 1863.  Where captured: Charleston, Tenn.  To what point forwarded: Louisville, Ky. Jany 8 1864.  Remarks: For Exchange.  Dept. of the Cumberland, Reg. No. 2; page 186 (Hd. Qrs. Prov. Mar. General, Nashville, Tenn.

Appears on a Roll of Prisoners of War received at Louisville, Ky., Military Prison for five days ending January 10, 1864, from Nashville, Tenn.  Roll dated Military Prison, Louisville, Ky., Jan. 10, 1864.  Where captured: Charleston.  When captured: Dec. 1, 1863.  Number of roll 105; sheet 6.

Appears on a roll of Prisoners of War, at Military Prison, Louisville, Ky.  When received: Jan 8, 1864.  Where captured: Charleston, Tenn.  When Captured: Dec. 1, 1863.  Louisville, Ky., Register No. 5; page 91.

Appears on a Register of Prisoners of War received at Military Prison, Louisville, Ky.  Where captured: Charleston, Tenn.  When captured: Dec. 1, 1863.  Terms: Rock Isle.  When: Jan. 17, 1864.  Louisville, Ky, Register No. 2; page 289.

Appears on a roll of Prisoners of War at Military Prison, Louisville, Ky.  When received: Jan. 8, 1864.  Where captured: Charleston, Tenn.  Date when captured: Dec. 1, 1863.  Date when discharged: Jan. 17, 1864.  Where sent: Rock Island.  Louisville, Ky., Register No. 6; page 7.

Appears on a Roll of Prisoners of War forwarded from Louisville, Ky., to Rock Island, Ill., Jan’y 17, 1864.  Roll dated Headquarters District of Kentucky, Louisville, Jan’y 17, 1864.  Where captured: Charleston.  When captured: Dec. 1, 1863.  Number of roll: 383; sheet 10.

Appears on a Roll of Prisoners of War at Rock Island Barracks, Ill., received from Louisville, Ky.  Roll dated Headquarters Rock Island Barracks, Ill., –, 1864.  Where captured: Charleston, Tenn.  When captured: Dec 1”, 1863.  Remarks: Entered Jany 20”, 1864.  Number of roll: 65.

Appears on a Register of patients in Prison Hospital, Rock Island, Ill.  No. of Barracks: 31.  Disease: Inflammation of Lungs.  Admitted: March 26, 1864.  Died: March 26, 1864.  Ward: 4.  Remarks: In pencil on Register.  Ill. Reg. No. 183; page 118.

Appears on a record of Prisoners of War who have died at Rock Island Barracks, Illinois.  Where captured: Charleston, Tenn.  When captured: Dec. 1, 1863.  When joined station: Jan 20, 1864.  Died: Mar. 26, 1864.  Cause of death: Infl. Lungs.  Number and locality of the grave:  932.  Rock Island, Ill., Register No. 3; page 82.

SOURCE: Compiled Service Records of David C. Parkhurst, Private, Co. E, 20th Tennessee Infantry from the National Archives and Records Administration downloaded from www.fold3.com. 

From California

PHILADELPHIA, March 25. – The latest news from Arizona represents that the country is almost depopulated on account of secession and the hostility of the Indians.  Davis’ troops numbering 900 awaiting reinforcements are at Lubuc.  They propose taking Fort Youma in California, but most of the five regiments of California troops are at this time in the state and would be prepared to meet an invading enemy.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, September 22, 1862

Memphis, Sept. 22,1862

Dear Brother:

Troops are moving up through Arkansas for Missouri. It looks as though they want to swap countries with us. It is about time the North understood the truth. That the entire South, man, woman and child are against us, armed and determined. It will call for a million men for several years to put them down. They are more confident than ever, none seem to doubt their independence, but some hope to conquer the northwest. My opinion is there never can be peace and we must fight it out. I guess you now see how, from the very first I argued, that you all underestimated the task. None of you would admit for a moment that after a year's fighting the enemy would still threaten Washington, Cincinnati and St. Louis. We ought to hold fast to the Mississippi as a great base of operation. I should regard the loss of St. Louis as more fatal to our future success than the capture by them of Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Your brigade is now with Buell. I don't understand his move, but now suppose he will cross Green River and fight north of it. Still I don't see exactly his strategy or tactics. The passage of the enemy north of us, leaving us among a hostile population, was a bold and successful movement and will give them great credit in Europe. You doubtless, like most Americans, attribute our want of success to bad generals. I do not. With us you insist the boys, the soldiers, govern. They must have this or that or will cry down their leaders in the newspapers, so no general can achieve much. They fight or run as they please and of course it is the general’s fault. Until this is cured, we must not look for success. But on the whole, things look more favorable than at any former time, as the numbers engaged on both sides are approaching the occasion.

The war is, which race, that of the North or South, shall rule America. The greatest danger North is division and anarchy, but I hope the pressure from the South will keep all united until our armies begin to have some discipline and see how important it is to success.

Our fort here is nearly done, I have 20 heavy guns mounted and about 30 field pieces, 7000 Infantry and 600 Cavalry. Some of my regiments are now in fine drill and discipline and all are doing well. We are all, however, tied down till events elsewhere develop.

Affectionately yours,

W. T. SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 161-3

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, January 28, 1862

One of the Missouri boys who enlisted in our company while at Jefferson City asked me to go with him to spend the evening with a family about two miles out, where there were three or four young ladies. One of the young women was his best girl and he wished to bid her goodby before we left for the South. He assured me that we would have plenty of good things to eat and that there would be no danger, and so I finally decided that it would be safe to go. We had a very enjoyable time and about midnight started for our quarters, running all the way.¹

__________

¹We arrived safely at our quarters, but I made up my mind never again to take such a trip while in the enemy’s country. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 31

Presidents of the United States Who Died During the Civil War

Martin Van Buren, died July 24, 1862

John Tyler, died January 18, 1862

Abraham Lincoln, died April 15, 1865

Disgraceful Scene in Cincinnati --- Wendell Phillips Mobbed

CINCINNATI, March 24. – Wendell Phillips attempted to lecture at the Opera House to-night.  He commenced by avowing himself an Abolitionist and Disunionist.  Persons in the galleries then hissed, yelled, and threw eggs and stones, some of them hitting him.  The hissing was kept up for some time, when Phillips finally made himself heard, and proceeded until something again objectionable was said, and again eggs were thrown, hitting him  Phillips proceeded, and for some time was heard, and a third time eggs and stones were thrown, and the crowd moved down stairs, crying “put him out – tar and feather him,” giving groans for the “nigger Wendell Phillips,” and proceeding down the middle aisle toward the stage, were met by some of Phillips’ friends.  Here a fight ensued, amidst the greatest confusion – ladies screaming, crying, jumping over chairs, and falling in all directions.

                      

During the fight Phillips was taken off from the stage by his friends, and the audience moved out.  It is now ten o’clock, and the streets in the vicinity of the Opera House are crowded with excited people, unable to find Phillips.  No one seriously hurt, as far as we can learn.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, September 3, 1862

MEMPHIS, Sept. 3, 1862.

Dear Brother:

It is easy to say “thou shalt not steal,” but to stop stealing puzzles the brains of hundreds of men and employs thousands of bailiffs, sheriffs, &c., &c. So you or Congress may command “slaves shall be free,” but to make them free and see that they are not converted into thieves, idlers or worse is a difficult problem and will require much machinery to carry out. Our commissaries must be ordered to feed them and some provision must be made for the women and children. My order gives employment to say two thousand, all men. Now that is about 1/8 of a command. Extend that population to the whole army of 80,000 gives 10,000 slaves, and if we pay 10 dollars a month the estimate can be made. If the women and children are to be provided for, we must allow for their support of, say, one million. Where are they to get work? Who is to feed them, clothe them, and house them?

We cannot now give tents to our soldiers and our wagon trains are a horrible impediment, and if we are to take along and feed the negroes who flee to us for refuge it will be an impossible task. You cannot solve this negro question in a day.

Your brigade is not here. I think it is with Buell near Chattanooga. The last I saw of them they were in Garfield's brigade at Shiloh. Still I should be glad if you would come to Memphis on a visit. Provided the southern army do not reach Kentucky or get into Maryland. In either of those events the people of the North must rise en masse with such weapons as they can get and repair to the frontier. . . .

The people are always right. Of course, in the long run, because this year they are one thing, next year another. Do you say the people were right last year in saying, acting and believing that 30,000 were enough to hold Kentucky and carry on an offensive war against the South? “The People” is a vague expression.

Here the people are not right because you are warring against them. People in the aggregate may be wrong. There is such a thing as absolute right and absolute wrong. And people may do wrong as well as right. Our people are always right, but another people may be and always are wrong.

Affectionately your brother,

W. T. SHERMAN

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 160-1

Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant to Congressman Elihu B. Washburne, June 9, 1864

Cold Harbor, Virginia,

June 9, 1864.

YOUR two letters inclosing orders published by Major-General Washburn have been received. I highly approve the course he is taking, and am glad to see that General Slocum is pursuing a similar course about Vicksburg. I directed some days ago that the Sixteenth Corps staff should report to your brother. I recommend, however, that no commander be named for the Sixteenth Corps until Sherman is heard from, to know whether he would not prefer the consolidation of that portion of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps in the field into one corps, and that serving in garrison from these two corps into another. It makes but little difference, however, about this, for as soon as this campaign is over it is probable there will be a reconstruction of departments and commands.

. . . . Everything is progressing favorably, but slowly. All the fight, except defensive and behind breastworks, is taken out of Lee's army. Unless my next move brings on a battle, the balance of the campaign will settle down to a siege. . . .

SOURCE: James Grant Wilson, Editor, General Grant’s Letters to a Friend 1861-1880, p. 34-5

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, January 27, 1862

The regimental surgeon came down from California to look over the convalescents in our company; he revaccinated all on whom the vaccine had not worked.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 31

Cairo Budget

CHICAGO, March 25, FROM CAIRO 24. – The Steamer Pollard just arrived from Island No. 10 with intelligence from the flotilla up to 8 o’clock Sunday evening.  The same old story – matters remain in statu quo.

Saturday night the gun-boat Mound City exchanged shots with the main land battery with considerable effect.  An officer of the Mound City tells me that with a glass he counted five men killed at a single shot.  On Sunday morning fired with great certainty but the results were not ascertained owning to the unfavorable condition of the weather.

The expected balloon reconnoisance did not take place.

The Pollard narrowly escaped destruction under charge of a drunken pilot.  She was allowed to float half a mile below where the Mound City was stationed, and was made the recipient of rebel favors in the shape of shot and shell from main land batteries with flew all around her, fortunately without effect.

Col. Buford arrested the captain and mate of the steamer Hall, of Memphis, for treason.  They were ordered to land troops at Hickman, Ky., in the night, but passed by and landed them in day time, they giving the enemy notice of their arrival.

Steamers are searched at Paducah on their way to Tennessee river, and correspondents and others without passes are turned back.

The steamer Thomas just from Savannah landing, in Tennessee river, says large Union forces continue at that point.  8,000 men under Gen. Wallace, on Tuesday visited a camp eight miles from the landing where a large body of the secessionists were reported to be concentrated, arming.  They found the birds had flown.

The rebels were impressing every able bodied man into service, and citizens were fleeing to the forest to avoid impressments.  A strong Union sentiment prevails in that region.

A regiment composed of loyal Tennessee men exclusively, was offered to Gen. Grant.

A resident of Paducah has just returned from New Orleans, which place he left a week ago last Tuesday.  His loyalty being undoubted he was passed to Jackson by the rebel authorities, when he escaped to the Federal lines and reached his home in safety.  He reports that the rebels are constructing at New Orleans thirteen large iron clad gun-boats, one of which is intended for sea service and the rest for river.  The largest is built by Murray and armed with 30 guns.  The projector is confident that with it alone he will be able to drive the Lincoln fleet from the Mississippi.  They are finished by this time and are probably now on their way to Island No. 10.  They are encased with railroad iron and considered invulnerable.

Armed troops are concentrating at Corinth, Miss., where a stand is to be made.

Our re-inforcements are being sent to Decatur.

At Memphis my informant states rebel stores are being removed to a place of safety in event of an attack by Union forces.

But little was known of movements at Island No. 10 outside of military circles.

The superintendent of the Mobil and Ohio Railroad had placed thirteen locomotives and two hundred cars at the disposition of General Polk for the transportation of troops to Corinth.

Beauregard was at Jackson, Tennessee, on Tuesday week.

Gen. Polk’s headquarters were at Lagrange.  Our boys were in high spirits at the report of an advance.

The bridge across Turkey creek on the Ohio and Mobile Railroad, was burned by the Union forces.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

Vice Presidents of the United States Living at the Outbreak of the Civil War

Martin Van Buren, died July 24, 1862.

John Tyler, died 18 January 1862.

George M. Dallas, died December 31, 1864.

Millard Fillmore, died March 8, 1874.

John C. Breckinridge, died May 17, 1875.

Hannibal Hamlin, died July 4, 1891.

Note:  Andrew Johnson, Lincoln’s 2nd Vice President and later the 17th President of the United States, did not assume the office of Vice President until March 4, 1865.

Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, August 26, 1862

MEMPHIS, August 26th, 1862.

Dear Brother:

. . . Gradually the practice has come into my original proposition that none but discharged soldiers should go home, or wounded men. All others should be in regimental hospitals, or hospitals established near at hand where as they convalesce they can join. Although from the President down to the lowest Brigadier orders to this effect have been issued, yet there are hundreds trying to get their brothers and sons home. I know full well the intense desire to get home, but any army would be ruined by this cause alone. McClellan has 70,000 absent from his army. Some were sick, but certainly not over 20,000; with the other 50,000 our country might have been saved the disgrace of a retreat from Richmond, for it has resolved itself into that. At last all have come to the conclusion that we are at war, and great as the draft has been on your population, don’t suppose you outnumber the South yet. All their people are armed and at war. You hear of vast armies at Richmond, at Chattanooga and threatening New Orleans, whilst the whole country is full of guerilla bands numbering hundreds. All the people are armed. A year ago we could have taken them unprepared, but they have used the year to buy all kinds of arms and munitions of war and wherever we go we find them well prepared. They seem to have left this quarter. I am glad of the new levies and only regret the loss of the year. The present operations in Virginia and Kentucky are all important. . . .

Affectionately,

W. T. SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 159-60

Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant to Congressman Elihu B. Washburne, May 1, 1864

Culpepper C. H., Virginia,

May 1, 1864.

PLEASE permit me to call the attention of Congress, through you, to the fact that the law creating the grade of Lieutenant-General, and fixing the pay and allowances of staff officers serving with the Lieutenant-General, simply revived old laws. Under these his aides, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, receive only the pay and allowances of officers of their grade in the infantry. Under more recent Acts of Congress all other staff officers receive the pay and allowances of cavalry officers. Major-generals commanding army corps have four staff officers with the rank of lieutenant-colonel who receive cavalry pay. It certainly never was contemplated that the staff of a higher grade and command should receive less pay. I hope that Congress will correct this.

SOURCE: James Grant Wilson, Editor, General Grant’s Letters to a Friend 1861-1880, p. 33

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, January 26, 1862

We had preaching in our quarters this forenoon and in the evening a few gathered for prayer meeting. Our quarters were not very inviting for a minister. There was no tuning fork for the music and we had no chairs, most of the boys standing during the preaching.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 30-1

Senator John Sherman to Major General William T. Sherman, August 24, 1862

MANSFIELD, OHIO, Aug. 24, 1862.

Dear Brother:

Your letter of Aug. 13, with enclosures, was received. I have read carefully your general orders enclosed and also your order on the employment of negroes. I see no objection to the latter except the doubt and delay caused by postponing the pay of negroes until the courts determine their freedom. As the act securing their freedom is a military rule, you ought to presume their freedom until the contrary is known and pay them accordingly. . . .

You can form no conception at the change of opinion here as to the Negro Question. Men of all parties who now appreciate the magnitude of the contest and who are determined to preserve the unity of the government at all hazards, agree that we must seek the aid and make it the interests of the negroes to help us. Nothing but our party divisions and our natural prejudice of caste has kept us from using them as allies in the war, to be used for all purposes in which they can advance the cause of the country. Obedience and protection must go together. When rebels take up arms, not only refuse obedience but resist our force, they have no right to ask protection in any way. And especially that protection should not extend to a local right inconsistent with the general spirit of our laws and the existence of (which has been from the beginning the chief element of discord in the country. I am prepared for one to meet the broad issue of universal emancipation. . . .

By the way, the only criticism I notice of your management in Memphis is your leniency to the rebels. I enclose you an extract. I take it that most of these complaints are groundless, but you can see from it the point upon which public opinion rests. The energy and bitterness which they have infused into the contest must be met with energy and determination. . . .

Such is not only the lesson of history, the dictate of policy, but it is the general popular sentiment. I know you care very little for the latter. . . .

It is sometimes passionate, hasty and intemperate, but after a little fluctuation it settles very near the true line. You notice that Fremont, Butler, Mitchell, Turchin and Cochran are popular, while Buell, Thomas, McClellan and others are not. It is not for military merit, for most persons concede the inferiority in many respects of the officers first named, but it is because these officers agree with and act upon the popular idea. . . .

I want to visit you in Memphis and if possible go see the 64th and 65th. If it is possible or advisable, let me know and give me directions how to get there. It is but right that I should see the regiments I organized, and besides I should like to see you if I should not incommode you and interfere with your public duties. . . .

Since my return I have spent most of my time in my Library. I have always felt that my knowledge of American politics was rather the superficial view of the politician and not accurate enough for the position assigned me. I therefore read and study more and speak less than usual. . . .

We all wait with intense anxiety the events impending in Virginia. We all fear results for a month to come. Now is the chance for the rebels.

Affectionately yours,

JOHN SHERMAN

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 156-8

Major General Ulysses S. Grant to Congressman Elihu B. Washburne, December 12, 1863

Chattanooga, Tennessee,

December 12, 1863.

ALL is well with me. Everything looks bright and favorable in this command. I feel under many obligations to you for the interest you have taken in my welfare. But recollect that I have been highly honored already by the Government, and do not ask or feel that I deserve anything more in the shape of honors or promotions. A success over the enemy is what I crave above everything else, and desire to hold such an influence over those under my command as to enable me to use them to the best advantage to secure this end.

SOURCE: James Grant Wilson, Editor, General Grant’s Letters to a Friend 1861-1880, p. 32

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, January 25, 1862

The report came that we were to be brigaded today — the Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Iowa Regiments are in one brigade. Hurrah for Iowa! The four regiments are to form an Iowa brigade and the organization will date from today.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 30

Senator John Sherman to Major General William T. Sherman, August 8, 1862

MANSFIELD, Aug. 8, 1862.

Dear Brother:

. . . The enlistment of recruits is now much more rapid than ever before. A regiment is organizing here and will be full in a few days. The new call for militia will also soon be filled up and I hope without a draft. Our people are beginning to feel a little more serious about the war, but the determination to wage it to a successful termination is stronger and firmer than ever. McClellan’s misfortunes have allayed the political feeling that was gathering about him. His friends have much to say in his favor and his opponents are very moderate in condemning or criticising him. If you have time, write to me. For this month I will stay here as much as possible. In September I suppose I will be on the stump. After that I mean to remain as quiet as possible.

Yours affectionately,

JOHN SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 156

Major General Ulysses S. Grant to Congressman Elihu B. Washburne, December 2, 1863

Chattanooga, Tennessee,

December 2, 1863.

FOR the last three weeks I have not only been busy, but have had company occupying my room, making it almost impossible for me to write anything. Last week was a stirring time with us, and a magnificent victory was won. I am sorry you could not be here. The spectacle was grand beyond anything that has been or is likely to be on this continent. It is the first battlefield I have ever seen where a plan could be followed and from one place the whole field be within one view. At the commencement the battle line was fifteen miles long. Hooker on our right soon carried the point of Lookout Mountain, and Sherman the north end of Missionary Ridge, thus shortening the line by five or six miles and bringing the whole within one view. Our troops behaved most magnificently, and have inflicted on the enemy the heaviest blow they have received during the war. . . ¹¹

__________

¹¹ “After having broken the impedimenta which closed the passage of the Mississippi, it is again Grant,” writes the Count of Paris of the victory at Chattanooga, “who has just opened the doors of Georgia.  The Federal armies have at last found the warrior worthy to lead them. The bold and skilful manoeuvres which began in the valley of Lookout Mountain, and terminated a month later near the spot where Bragg and Davis had contemplated a Union army besieged at their feet, enhance the glory of the conqueror of Vicksburg. He has proved that his mind, powerful to conceive, firm to execute, is fertile in resources at the critical time.”

SOURCE: James Grant Wilson, Editor, General Grant’s Letters to a Friend 1861-1880, p. 31, 115-6

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, January 24, 1862

It snowed a very little today. Soldiers are marching past here for St. Louis. The roads are in a fearful condition. Our company would like to leave this place for more active service. Our picket and patrol duty is very light, though it is all-night duty. None of the men on the scouting expeditions have been hurt or wounded.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 30

Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, [May 31, 1862]

[May 31, 1862]

Dear Brother:

Of course the telegraph has announced the evacuation of Corinth. I have sent to General Thomas commanding Right Wing my report. You ask for a copy. This is wrong, as official reports are the property of the War Department. I have sent Ellen the rough draft to keep and I have instructed her to make and send you a copy. We have had no battle and I cannot imagine why Beauregard has declined battle. I was on the extreme right and yesterday pushed into the town and beyond it, but their army had gone off and I was ordered back to this camp.

Pope and Buell are in pursuit, I understand, around by the left, but you will have the result long before you can receive this letter.

I send you a copy of my Division Order which is public, inasmuch as it is issued to my own command. Its publication would interest no one, but lest you should print it on the supposition that it would interest people, I express the wish that it be not published until Halleck's announcement of the abandonment of Corinth be first made public.

I cannot imagine what turn things will now take, but I do not think Halleck will attempt to pursue far. I think that Beauregard cannot now subsist his army or hold it together long.

It must divide to live, and the greatest danger is that they will scatter and constitute guerilla bands. The people are as bitter against us as ever, but the leaders must admit now that they have been defeated. I hope all this army with some exceptions will be marched forthwith to Memphis. A part could be spared for Huntsville, Ala., and Nashville, but as to pursuing overland it would be absurd. We want the Mississippi now in its whole length and a moment should not be lost. I am glad the President has called for more men. He cannot have too many, and the more men the sooner the work will be done. All is not yet accomplished, although certainly great strides have been made. If McClellan succeeds at Richmond and we can take Memphis, we could afford to pause and let events work. Banks’ repulse was certain. Three converging armies whose point was in possession of the enemy was worse generalship than they tried to force on me in Kentucky of diverging lines with a superior enemy between. Our people must respect the well-established principles of the art of war, else successful fighting will produce no results. I am glad you are pleased at my report at Shiloh. It possesses the merit of truth and you may safely rely on it, for I make no points but what I can sustain. Your speech was timely and proper for you. You could explain, whereas I had to report actual facts without fear or favor. I will write when more at leisure. The enemies’ works are very extensive. They must have had 100,000 men.

Your brother,

W. T. SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 154-5

Major General Ulysses S. Grant to Congressman Elihu B. Washburne, November 13, 1863

Head-Quarters,

Military Division of the Mississippi,

Chattanooga, Tennessee, November 13, 1863.

SOME of the citizens of Northern Illinois have expressed the conviction that a regiment of cavalry can be raised in a short time from that section of the state if special authority be given the Governor to accept them, and have desired that I obtain the authority for them. I want no special favor for myself, and cannot ask the desired authority on that ground. If, however, it is the policy of the Government to accept new organizations, I would recommend that authority be given Governor Yates to accept a regiment of cavalry to be raised in Northern Illinois.

Hon. E. M. Stanton,

Secretary of War.

SOURCE: James Grant Wilson, Editor, General Grant’s Letters to a Friend 1861-1880, p. 30

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, January 23, 1862

It is warm today. Nothing of importance. The land around Lookout Station is heavily timbered and there are no large farms. Negroes are very scarce here. The war has put a blight on this part of the State.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 30

Major General William T. Sherman's General Orders: No. 30

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH DIVISION,

Camp before Corinth, May 31, 1862.

The general commanding Fifth Division, right wing, takes this occasion to express to the officers and men of this command his great satisfaction with them for the courage, steadiness, and great industry displayed by them during the past month. Since leaving our memorable camp at Shiloh we have occupied and strongly intrenched seven distinct camps in a manner to excite the admiration and highest commendation of General Halleck. The division has occupied the right flank of the Grand Army, thereby being more exposed and calling for more hard work and larger guard details than from any other single division, and the commanding general reports that his officers and men have promptly and cheerfully fulfilled their duty, and have sprung to the musket or spade, according to the occasion, and have just reason to claim a large share in the honors that are due to the whole army for the glorious victory terminating at Corinth on yesterday, and it affords him great pleasure to bear full and willing testimony to the qualities of his command that have achieved this victory, a victory none the less decisive because attended with comparatively little loss of life.

But a few days ago a large and powerful army of rebels lay at Corinth, with outposts extending to our very camp at Shiloh. They held two railroads, extending north and south, east and west, across the whole extent of their country, with a vast number of locomotives and cars to bring to them speedily and certainly their re-enforcements and supplies. They called to their aid all their armies from every quarter, abandoning the sea-coast and the great river Mississippi, that they might overwhelm us with numbers in the place of their own choosing. They had their chosen leaders, men of high reputation and courage, and they dared us to leave the cover of our iron-clad gunboats to come and fight them in their trenches and still more dangerous ambuscades of their Southern swamps and forests. Their whole country, from Richmond to Memphis and from Nashville to Mobile, rung with their taunts and boastings as to how they would immolate the Yankees if they dared to leave the Tennessee River. They boldly and defiantly challenged us to meet them at Corinth. We accepted the challenge, and came slowly and without attempt at concealment to the very ground of their selection, and they have fled away. We yesterday marched unopposed through the burning embers of their destroyed camps and property and pursued them to their swamps, until burning bridges plainly confessed they had fled, and not marched away for better ground.

It is a victory as brilliant and important as any recorded in history, and every officer and soldier who has lent his aid has just reason to be proud of his part. No amount of sophistry or words from the leaders of the rebellion can succeed in giving the evacuation of Corinth under the circumstances any other title than that of a signal defeat, more humiliating to them and to their cause than if we had entered the place over the dead and mangled bodies of their soldiers. We are not here to kill and slay, but to vindicate the honor and just authority of that Government which has been bequeathed to us by our honored fathers, and to whom we would be recreant if we permitted their work to pass to our children weaned and spoiled by ambitious and wicked rebels.

The commanding general, while thus claiming for his division their just share in the glorious result, must at the same time remind them that much yet remains to be done, and that all must still continue the same vigilance, patience, industry, and obedience till the enemy lays down his arms and publicly acknowledges for their supposed grievances they must obey the laws of their country, and not attempt its overthrow by threats, by cruelty, and by war. They must be made to feel and acknowledge the power of a just and mighty nation. This result can only be accomplished by a cheerful and ready obedience to the orders and authority of our own leaders, in whom we now have just reason to feel the most implicit confidence. That the Fifth Division of the right wing will do this, and that in due time we will all go to our families and friends at home, is the earnest prayer and wish of your immediate commander,

 W. T. SHERMAN,

 Major-General, Commanding.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume X, Part I (Serial No. 11), pages 233-4