From Washington

WASHINGTON, May 14.

The first bill reported by Mr. Elliott, from the special committee; provides that all the estate, property, and money, stocks, credit and effects of the person or persons hereinafter named are declared forfeited to the Government of the U. S., and are declared lawful subjects of seizure, and prize and capture, wherever found, for the indemnity of the U. S. against the expenses for suppressing the present rebellion, that is to say:

1.  Of any person hereafter acting as an officer in the army of navy of the rebels, now or hereafter in arms against the Government of the U. S.

2.  Any person hereafter acting as President, Vice President, member of Congress, Judge of any Court, Cabinet Officer, Foreign Minister, Commissioners or Consuls of the so-called Confederate States.

3d.  Any person acting as Governor of a State, member of convention or legislature, judge of any court of the so-called Confederate States.

4th.  Any person who having held an office of honor, trust or profit in the United States, shall hereafter hold an office in the so-called Confederate States, after holding any office or agency under the so-called Confederacy, or under any of the Several States of said Confederacy or laws, whether such office or agency be national, State, or municipal, in name or character.  Any person who holds any property in any loyal State or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, who shall hereafter assist, or give aid or comfort, or countenance to such rebellion, the said estate, property or money, stock, credits and effects of the persons are declared lawful subjects of capture, wherever found, and the judges of the United States shall cause the same to be seized, to the end that they may be confiscated and condemned to the use of the United States, and all sales, transfers, or conveyances shall be null and void, and it shall be sufficient to any suit brought by such person for the possession and use of such property, to allege and prove that he is one of the persons described in this section.

The second section provides that if any person with any State or territory of the United States, other than already specified shall not within 60 days after public warning and proclamation by the President cease to aid or countenance and abet such rebellion, and return their allegiance, their property, in like manner, shall be forfeited for the use of the United States; all sales and transfers of such property, after the expiration of 60 days from the date of the warning , shall be null and void.

The third section provides that to secure the possession, condemnation and sale of such property, situated or being in any State, district or territory of the United States, proceedings shall be instituted in the name of the United States, in any District Court, or any Territorial Court, or in the U. S. District Court for the District of Columbia, in which the property may be found, or into which the same, if [movable], may be first brought,  which proceedings shall conform, as nearly as may be, to the proceedings in prizes cases or cases of forfeiture, arising under the revenue laws; and the property so seized and condemned, whether real or personal, shall be sold under the decree of the Court having cognizance of the case, and the proceeds deposited in the Treasure of the United States for their use and benefit.  The remainder of the sections provide the necessary machinery for carrying the act into effect.

The second bill of the select committee is as follows:  If any person or persons within the United States shall, after the passage of this act, willfully engaged in armed rebellion against the Government of the United States, or shall willfully aid or abet such rebellion, giving them aid and comfort; every such person shall thereby forfeit all claims to the service or labor of any persons commonly known as slaves and such slaves are hereby declared free and forever discharged from servitude, anything in the laws of the U. S., or any State to the contrary notwithstanding; and whenever thereafter any person claiming the labor or service of any such slave shall seek to enforce his claim, it shall be sufficient defense thereto that the claimant was engaged in said rebellion, or aided or abetted the same, contrary to the provisions of this act; whenever any person claiming to be entitled to the service or labor of any other person, shall seek to enforce such claim he shall in the first instance, and before any order shall be made for the surrender of the person whose service or labor is claimed, establish not only his claim to such service or labor, but also that such claimant had not in any way aided, assisted or countenanced the rebellion existing against the Government of the U. S.

WASHINGTON, May 14.

Tribune’s Special

The French Minister has received intelligence from his Consul at Richmond, to the effect that the rebel government had notified him that should it be necessary to evacuate the city, the French tobacco must be destroyed with the rest.  At the same time the rebels offered to pay for it – a proposition not much relished by the Frenchman.  The French minister discredits the rumor of European intervention in our affairs, and it is generally thought here, that whatever purposes may have been entertained by England and France, the news from New Orleans, will cause their indefinite postponement.

The 885 prisoners, recently released from the Richmond prisons, will arrive here by way of the Potomac to-morrow.  A few who came through Baltimore arrived to-day.  They say the rebels are as determined as ever, and believe that after the two great impending battles they will, if whipped bad, herd together in small guerilla parties, and fight to the very last.  They represent the treatment of our prisoners as barbarous in the extreme; that our officers, who alone remain in the prisons, all the privates being set free, will not be released at all.  Col. Corcoran’s health is good.  He is anxious to be released, and contradicts the statement made some time since, that he said he would prefer remaining where he is, believing that he could be of more service there, and adds that the only way he wishes to serve his country is on the battle field.  Col. Bowman’s health is failing rapidly, and his eyesight nearly lost.  He can survive his present treatment only a few weeks longer.  His long confinement has afflicted his mind so much, that at times he is looked upon as insane.  The rebels offer every inducement to our prisoners to join their army, but only two have done so; namely, John A. Wicks, quartermaster of the Congress, and a private of the 7th Ohio, named Wilson.  As soon as it became known to the prisoners that Wilson intended to desert them they proceeded to hang him.  The guard, however, entered and in time to cut him down before his life was extinct.  In punishment for this act, the prisoners were put upon bread and water for ten days.

The House committee on foreign affairs having authorized Mr. Gooch to report the Senate bill establishing diplomatic relations with Hayti and Siberia, it will doubtless be pressed to a vote at an early day.

Herald’s Dispatch.

WASHINGTON, May 14.

The steamer Kennebec arrived here this afternoon, with 213 wounded rebels and 24 wounded Union soldiers, from Williamsburg.  Among the latter is Col. Dwight. – His wounds are less dangerous than at first supposed.

The rebels receive precisely the same treatment as our wounded, and are sent to the same hospitals.

The report that Gen. McCall had resigned the command of the Pennsylvania reserve corps is unfounded.  He has no intention to resign until the Union army has accomplished its mission – to suppress the rebellion.

Times’ Dispatch.

Gov. Sprague says our losses at Williamsburg, in killed, wounded and missing, will amount to about 2000, and that the rebel loss was not less.  He says the battle at West Point, under Franklin was much more severe than reported.  That at least 500 of our men were taken prisoners – the enemy taking advantage of the landing of our troops.

The gunboats came up in good time, and saved Franklin from Suffering a sever disaster.

WASHINGTON, May 14.

It is ordered that all applications for passes to visit Ft. Monroe, Norfolk, Yorktown, or other places on the waters of the Chesapeake, be hereafter made to Mag. Gen. Dix, of Baltimore.

(Signed)

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

In addition to the steamers Hero and Kent which brought hither the released Union prisoners last night, the Kennebec has arrived with upwards of 500 wounded rebels from Williamsburg.  These men are for the greater part slightly wounded, and are attended by rebel surgeons and nurses.  A strict guard is kept over this boat.  No visitors are permitted.

The steamer State of Maine has also arrived with about 330, the Warrior with 400, and Elm City with 450 sick soldiers, from different places.  They are being removed to the various hospitals today.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, November 12, 1861

CAMP PIERPONT, VA., November 12, 1861.

This afternoon, while at dinner, I was greatly surprised and delighted at seeing a carriage drive up with Captain and Mrs. Scott. He said he was in Washington before a Court of Inquiry; that he had not the slightest fear of the result, having conscientiously performed his duty. He explained the cause of complaint, which was his not having reported to the Gulf Squadron; which he could not do, having captured a vessel that he had evidence would not have been condemned at Key West, though a legal capture. I hope his expectations will be realized, and that no harm will come to him. They had driven out to see Baldy Smith and myself. After spending a little while in my tent, I rode part of the way back with them. Today we have the cheering news from the Naval Expedition;¹ du Pont² has covered himself with glory. The whole affair was most skillfully executed, and reflects great credit on the navy. It has inspirited all of us, and the talk is now, When are we going to do something? I should not be surprised if a movement was made in a very few days. For my part I hope so.

__________

¹ Battle of Port Royal, S. C., November 7, 1861.

² Captain Samuel F. Du Pont, U. S. N., in command of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 226-7

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, December 20, 1862

We struck our tents early this morning and marched twenty-one miles back toward Holly Springs. It is a disappointment to have to retrace our steps and the boys are not as jolly as they were when going south. Holly Springs is said to have been taken and our supplies cut off. We have been put on half rations.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 88

Major General William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, January 4, 1863

ON BOARD Forest Queen,

MILLIKEN'S BEND, January 4, 1863.

Well, we have been to Vicksburg and it was too much for us, and we have backed out. I suppose the attack on Holly Springs and the railroad compelled Grant to fall behind the Tallahatchie, and consequently the Confederates were enabled to reinforce Vicksburg. Besides, its natural strength had been improved by a vast amount of labor, so that it was impossible for me to capture or even to penetrate to the road from which alone I could expect to take it. For five days we were thundering away, and when my main assault failed, and Admiral Porter deemed another requiring the cooperation of the gunboats “too hazardous,” I saw no alternative but to regain my steamboats and the main river, which I did unopposed and unmolested. To re-embark a large command in the face of an enterprising and successful enemy is no easy task, but I accomplished it. McClernand has arrived to supersede me by order of the President himself.¹ Of course I submit gracefully. The President is charged with maintaining the government and has a perfect right to choose his agents. My command is to be an army corps composed of Morgan L. Smith's old command (poor Morgan now lies wounded badly in the hip on board the Chancellor, and his division is commanded by Stuart), and the troops I got at Helena commanded by Fred Steele whom I know well. These are all new and strange to me but such is life and luck. Before I withdrew from the Yazoo I saw McClernand and told him that we had failed to carry the enemy's line of works before Vicksburg, but I could hold my ground at Yazoo — but it would be useless. He promptly confirmed my judgment that it was best to come out into the main river at Milliken's Bend. We did so day before yesterday, and it has rained hard two days and I am satisfied that we got out of the Swamp at Chickasaw Bayou in time, for now water and mud must be forty feet deep there. . . .  Regulars did well, of course, but they or no human beings could have crossed the bayou and live. People at a distance will ridicule our being unable to pass a narrow bayou, but nobody who was there will. Instead of lying idle I proposed we should come to the Arkansas and attack the Post of Arkansas, fifty miles up that river, from which the enemy has attacked the river capturing one of our boats, towing two barges of navy coal and capturing a mail, so I have no doubt some curious lieutenant has read your letters to me. We must make the river safe behind us before we push too far down. We are now on our way to the Post of Arkansas. McClernand assumed command to-day, so I will not be care-worn again by the duty of looking to supplies, plans, etc. . . .  It will in the end cost us at least ten thousand lives to take Vicksburg. I would have pushed the attack to the bitter end, but even had we reached the city unassisted we could not have held it if they are at liberty to reinforce from the interior. . . .

__________

¹ On January 2, Sherman had learned that McClernand had “orders from the War Department to command the expeditionary force on the Mississippi River” (Memoirs, I, 322). On January 24, Sherman wrote to his wife: “It was simply absurd to supersede me by McClernand, but Mr. Lincoln knows I am not anxious to command, and he knows McClernand is, and must gratify him. He will get his fill before he is done.”

SOURCES: M. A. DeWolfe Howe, Editor, Home Letters of General Sherman, p. 235-7.  A full copy of this letter can be found in the William T Sherman Family papers (SHR), University of Notre Dame Archives (UNDA), Notre Dame, IN 46556, Folder CSHR 1/150.

Major Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, December 2, 1859

December 2d.

John Brown was hung to-day at about half-past eleven A. M. He behaved with unflinching firmness. The arrangements were well made and well executed under the direction of Colonel Smith. The gibbet was erected in a large field, southeast of the town. Brown rode on the head of his coffin from his prison to the place of execution. The coffin was of black walnut, enclosed in a box of poplar of the same shape as the coffin. He was dressed in a black frock-coat, black pantaloons, black vest, black slouch hat, white socks, and slippers of predominating red. There was nothing around his neck but his shirt collar. The open wagon in which he rode was strongly guarded on all sides. Captain Williams (formerly assistant professor at the Institute) marched immediately in front of the wagon. The jailer, high-sheriff, and several others rode in the same wagon with the prisoner. Brown had his arms tied behind him, and ascended the scaffold with apparent cheerfulness. After reaching the top of the platform, he shook hands with several who were standing around him. The sheriff placed the rope around his neck, then threw a white cap over his head, and asked him if he wished a signal when all should be ready. He replied that it made no difference, provided he was not kept waiting too long. In this condition he stood for about ten minutes on the trap-door, which was supported on one side by hinges and on the other (the south side) by a rope. Colonel Smith then announced to the sheriff “all ready” — which apparently was not comprehended by him, and the colonel had to repeat the order, when the rope was cut by a single blow, and Brown fell through about five inches, his knees falling on a level with the position occupied by his feet before the rope was cut. With the fall his arms, below the elbows, flew up horizontally, his hands clinched; and his arms gradually fell, but by spasmodic motions. There was very little motion of his person for several moments, and soon the wind blew his lifeless body to and fro. His face, upon the scaffold, was turned a little east of south, and in front of him were the cadets, commanded by Major Gilman. My command was still in front of the cadets, all facing south. One howitzer I assigned to Mr. Trueheart on the left of the cadets, and with the other I remained on the right. Other troops occupied different positions around the scaffold, and altogether it was an imposing but very solemn scene. I was much impressed with the thought that before me stood a man in the full vigor of health, who must in a few moments enter eternity. I sent up the petition that he might be saved. Awful was the thought that he might in a few minutes receive the sentence, “Depart, ye wicked, into everlasting fire!”  I hope that he was prepared to die, but I am doubtful. He refused to have a minister with him. His wife visited him last evening. His body was taken back to the jail, and at six o'clock P. M. was sent to his wife at Harper's Ferry. When it arrived, the coffin was opened, and his wife saw the remains, after which it was again opened at the depot before leaving for Baltimore, lest there should be an imposition. We leave for home via Richmond to-morrow.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 130-2

Major General Robert E. Lee to Mary Custis Lee, July 27, 1861

July 27, 1861

That, indeed, was a glorious victory, and has lightened the pressure upon us amazingly. Do not grieve for the brave dead, but sorrow for those they left behind — friends, relatives, and families. The former are at rest; the latter must suffer. The battle will be repeated there in greater force. I hope God will again smile on us and strengthen our hearts and arms. I wished to participate in the former struggle, and am mortified at my absence. But the President thought it more important that I should be here. I could not have done as well as has been done, but I could have helped and taken part in a struggle for my home and neighborhood. So the work is done, I care not by whom it is done. I leave tomorrow for the army in western Virginia.

SOURCES: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 144; Henry Alexander White, Robert E. Lee and the Southern Confederacy, 1807-1870, p. 113

From Fort Monroe

NEW YORK, May 15.

A Fort Monroe letter of the 13th says the deserters, who are constantly coming in, agree in their statements that the evacuation of Richmond is rapidly progressing, and that the effort of the retreating rebels is merely to hold back Gen. McClellan, so as to obtain time to remove all their stores.  They also say that the destruction of the city by fire is threatened, and that it will require the utmost efforts on the part of the citizens to prevent its consummation.  That the evacuation is now progressing there is no manner of doubt, and the government archives are being conveyed south to return to their former allegiance.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, November 7, 1861

CAMP PIERPONT, VA., November 7, 1861.

I ought to have written to you before, but I have been very busy, having been put on a court-martial as president, and it being the first time in my military service of thirty years that I ever had anything whatever to do with a court, I have to spend much time in booking myself up.

McCall showed me to-day a very severe letter from McClellan, commenting on the state of discipline of his division. I think the report of the officers who inspected us unfair and illiberal. Whilst I am aware our discipline is much below what it ought to be, yet I deny the assertion that we are worse than the rest of the army. McCall was very much mortified, and I am afraid McClellan has been prejudiced against him by the talking of others.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 226

XXXVIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, May 15.

SENATE. – Mr. Wade presented petitions in favor of confiscation.

Mr. Grimes presented a petition for a ship canal from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river.

Mr. Wade from the committee on Territories, reported back the House bill to provide for the temporary government of Arizona.

Mr. Wilkinson, from the same committee, reported back a bill to amend the act for the government of Colorado.  The bill makes the Governor’s veto qualified instead of absolute.  The bill was passed.

Mr. Brown, from the same committee, reported back the House bill to secure freedom to the people of the territories, with an amendment which changes the language of the bill to that of the ordinance of 1787.

Report agreed to 24 against 13.

A message was received from the President, recording a vote of thanks to Col. [sic] Farragut and other officers in his expedition.

A resolution was offered calling on the Secretary of the Navy, for the number of iron-clad gunboats under contract, their armaments, and when they will be ready for service.  Laid on the table.

Mr. Harris offered a resolution asking the Secretary of State what were the rights and obligations of the United States and Great Britain, in regard to the maintenance of armament on the Northern lakes.  Laid over.

A message was received from the House announcing the death of G. F. Bailey, of Mass. Mr. Sumner paid a brief tribute to his worth.  The customary resolutions were passed.

Adjourned.

On motion of Mr. Felton the House proceeded to the consideration of the bill introduced by him for the adjudication of claims for loss or destruction of property belonging to loyal citizens and the damaged done thereto by the troops of the United States, during the present rebellion.  The bill provides for the appointment, by the President, of three commissioners, together with a clerk and marshal.  The commissioners are prohibited from taking cognizance of claims for slaves, while the bill is guaranteed to prevent disloyal citizens from being benefited by the act.  The claims ascertained are to be reported to Congress, so that provision may be made for their relief.

Mr. Fenton said this bill had been maturely considered by the committee on claims, and was based on the principles of equity and justice.  While sincerely desirous of indemnifying Union men for the loss they had sustained, he was anxious that Congress should pass a confiscation bill, denouncing special pains and penalties against the leaders of the rebellion, who, having plundered loyal men and sequestered their estates [should] not escape punishment.  Their property and substance should be used to pay the expenses incidental to the suppression of this most wicked and causeless rebellion.

Mr. Webster moved an amendment, making it the duty of the commissioners to take cognizance of the losses of slaves, which the bill as reported prohibits.

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, moved the postponement of the bill till Monday week. – The bill should be maturely considered, as it involves the expenditure of one hundred thousand dollars, and if passed, might [supersede] the court of claims.

Mr. Fenton explained that all adjudicated claims have to be reported to Congress, which is to control the appropriation.

Mr. Morrill’s motion was adopted.

House passed the senate bill authorizing the appointment of medical storekeepers for the army and hospital chaplains.

Among the measures passed are the following: The Senate bill setting apart ten per cent. of the taxes paid by the colored persons, to be appropriated for the education of colored children of the District; the Senate bill requiring the oath of allegiance to be administered to persons offering to vote, whose loyalty shall be challenged, and the House bill requiring the oath of allegiance to be taken by attorneys and solicitors in courts within the District of Columbia.

Mr. Potter, from the conference committee on the homestead bill, made a report, which was adopted.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, December 19, 1862

The boys worked all day setting up their tents. The boys of our company cut down a red oak tree from which we made staves, set them in trenches dug in the ground, and had just finished putting up the tents, when at 5 p. m. the long roll sounded to form in line. We were ordered to march to the station to board the cars for Holly Springs, as the rebels had taken the place and burned our rations. But we did not go, as another regiment nearer the station got there ahead of us and we were marched back to our camp, with orders, though, to be ready to start for Holly Springs in the morning. We had expected to stay here several days and are sorry to have to leave the place, for it would have made us an excellent camp ground, being on a south hillside with timber just thick enough for shelter.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 88

From New Mexico

KANSAS CITY, May 15.

The Santa Fe mail arrived with advices from Ft. Craig to the 23d.  Gen. Canby was at that place with his command.  It was presumed he would move to Messilla in a short time.

The Texans in their retreat down the river abandoned 35 of their wagons, and buried some of their guns.  They then divided into small parties, and fled to the mountains, abandoning their sick, and all who could not travel at the requisite speed.  It is thought the enemy will not make another stand in the territory, but will endeavor to get home.

A hundred teams, with provisions that had been collected at Santa Fe, were sent to Fort Union on the 23d.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

From McClellan’s Army

CUMBERLAND, VA., May 4.

Gen. McClellan’s head-quarters were established here yesterday, and are now pleasantly located on the banks of the Pamunkey river.  The main body of the army is rapidly concentrating at the point designated by the Commanding General.

A contraband who arrived from Richmond, states that between that city and Chickahominy river, a distance of 17 miles, the enemy are encamped in large force, awaiting the arrival of the army of the Potomac.

As the rebels fall back they drive before them most of the cattle, sheep and hogs, leaving only such things as they cannot move.

Explosions were heard yesterday in the direction of the Chickahominy, which are supposed to have been caused by the blowing up of the railroad bridge.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

From Cairo

CAIRO, May 15.

There was an arrival from below this forenoon, reporting an attempt on the part of the rebel fleet to dislodge the mortars at Craighead Point.  They were driven back without difficulty and without damage to the federal boats.

No news whatever from Pittsburg.

A private and confidential circular issued by President Davis to the Governors of the States comprising the confederacy, has been received, in which he acknowledges that affairs below look decidedly blue, and asks for donations of money and materials.  He says that casualties, sickness and expiration of the terms of enlistments of the solders is making sad havoc with their cause, and desires for a larger display of patriotism on the part of citizens of the south.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

Major Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, November 28, 1859

CHARLESTOWN, Nov. 28th, 1859.

I reached here last night in good health and spirits. Seven of us slept in the same room. I am much more pleased than I expected to be; the people appear to be very kind. There are about one thousand troops here, and everything is quiet so far. We don't expect any trouble. The excitement is confined to more distant points. Do not give yourself any concern about me. I am comfortable, for a temporary military post.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 129-30

Major General William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, September 12, 1862

MEMPHIS, September 12, 1862.

. . . My predictions of last fall are not much wide of the truth now. The southern leaders don't wait till the time comes, they prepare beforehand. The whole of last year has been consumed by them in preparation, and now they have a larger army and as well armed as we have. I still don't see the issue of events, but surely we must do more than brag or else the South will carry the war into Africa. I see the people have made a clear sacrifice of Pope and McDowell, and are now content with having killed two of their own generals. This is a glorious war! With thousands of armed enemies now in the loyal states of Kentucky and Maryland the people are content to kill Pope and McDowell. Well, it may be all right, but I would advise a different course. Instead of thinking of us away to the front, they think of themselves. . . .

SOURCES: M. A. DeWolfe Howe, Editor, Home Letters of General Sherman, p. 233.  A full copy of this letter can be found in the William T Sherman Family papers (SHR), University of Notre Dame Archives (UNDA), Notre Dame, IN 46556, Folder CSHR 1/148.

Major General Robert E. Lee to Mary Custis Lee, July 12, 1861

Richmond, July 12, 1861.

You know that Rob has been captain of Company A, of the University. He has written for a sword and sash, which I have not yet been able to get for him. I shall send him a sword of mine, but cannot procure him a sash. I am very anxious to get into the field, but am detained by matters beyond my control. I have never heard of the assignment to which you allude — of commander-in-chief of the Southern Army — nor have I any expectation or wish for it. President Davis holds that position. I have been laboring to prepare and get into the field the Virginia troops to strengthen those from other States, and the threatened commands of Johnston, Beauregard, Huger, Garnett, etc. Where I shall go, I do not know, as that will depend upon President Davis.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 143-4

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, October 24, 1861

CAMP PIERPONT, VA., October 24, 1861.

After waiting all day in momentary expectation of orders to advance, we were informed this evening that the movement was postponed. I am of course in ignorance of what was in contemplation, but presume our movement had reference to what has taken place on the river above us. You are doubtless apprised of the disastrous affair that has occurred there with part of Stone’s and Banks’s commands. As far as I can gather, an unauthorized scouting party reported a small body of the enemy, when an attempt was made to capture them, which resulted in our people, eighteen hundred strong, being driven back into the river, where many lives were sacrificed and prisoners taken. The whole affair was a bungle from the beginning. First, in the officer's sending out a scouting party without authority; second, in not reinforcing him when it was found the enemy were in force. The worst part of the business is that at the very time our people were contending against such odds, the advance of McCall's Division was only ten miles off, and had we been ordered forward, instead of back, we could have captured the whole of them. Of course, we were in ignorance of what was going on, and I presume McClellan was not fully advised of what was taking place, or he would have undoubtedly sent us on. I suppose they concealed from him the true state of the case, and made such reports that induced him to believe all was going well. Such contre-temps are very demoralizing, and particularly unfortunate at this juncture, when we are meeting with so many reverses on a small scale.

I should like to know what John Markoe says of the affair at Edwards’¹ and Conrad’s Ferry.¹ I was glad to see his name was not among the casualties. Baker² was colonel of the regiment he was attached to. Wistar,³ the lieutenant colonel, is said to be mortally wounded. It is reported that out of the eighteen hundred who crossed the river, only three hundred got back, the balance being either killed, drowned, or prisoners. The weather has been very disagreeable, first raining hard day and night, and now very cold, with high northwest winds. The men in consequence suffer a great deal, particularly on the march, when we go without tents or shelter of any kind.

__________

¹ Engagement at Ball's Bluff, Va., October 21, 1861.

² Edward D. Baker, colonel 71st Regt. Pa. Vols.

³ Isaac J. Wistar, lieutenant-colonel 71st Regt. Pa. Vols.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 225-6

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, December 18, 1862

We started at 6 o’clock this morning and arrived in Oxford at about 10. We were inspected by General Grant, passing through the town by platoon. We marched on eight miles out from town and went into camp along the railroad. Grant has his headquarters in Oxford. It is a fine town, on high ground and well built up with fine homes of the rich planters. A college is located here, with good buildings.¹ The surrounding plantations are well fenced and have good buildings.

__________

¹ Our diarist must have seen either the University of Mississippi, opened in 1848, or Union Female College, a Cumberland Presbyterian college, founded in 1854. — Ed.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 87-8

Brigadier General Irvin McDowell to Mary Custis Lee, May 30, 1861

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT NORTHEASTERN V1RG1N1A,

ARL1NGTON, May 30, 1861.

MRS. R. E. LEE.

MADAM: Having been ordered by the Government to relieve Major-General Sanford in command of this Department, I had the honor to receive this morning your letter of today addressed to him at this place. With respect to the occupation of Arlington by the United States troops, I beg to say it has been done by my predecessor with every regard for the preservation of the place. I am here temporarily in camp on the grounds, preferring this to sleeping in the house, under the circumstances which the painful state of the country places me with respect to these properties. I assure you it will be my earnest endeavor to have all things so ordered that on your return you will find things as little disturbed as possible. In this I have the hearty concurrence of the courteous, kindhearted gentleman in the immediate command of the troops quartered here, and who lives in the lower part of the house to insure its being respected. Everything has been done as you desire with respect to your servants, and your wishes, so far as they have been known or could have been understood, have been complied with. When you desire to return every facility will be given you for doing so. I trust, madam, you will not consider it an intrusion when I say I have the most sincere sympathy for your distress, and, so far as compatible with my duty, I shall always be ready to do whatever may alleviate it. I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

Your most obedient servant,

I. McDOWELL.

P. S. — I am informed it was the order of the general-in-chief if the troops on coming here should have found the family in the house, that no one should enter it, but that a guard should be placed for its protection.

SOURCES: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 143; Fitzhugh Lee, General Lee, p. 106-7

Arrival of the Niagara – Foreign News

HALIFAX, May 14.

GREAT BRITAIN.

Graphic details are published of the opening ceremonies at the great exhibition.  The number present was 33,000, all being season ticket holders.  The Times pronounces the ceremonies emphatically the grandest and best managed affair seen in England for Years.  The musical arrangements were carried out according to programme, and were very grand.

The Morning Post in an editorial deplores the sad spectacle presented by the American attendance at the exhibition.  The second day the admission was one guinea, and the number sold over 32,000.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

Satisfactorily Adjusted

NEW YORK, May 15.

Farmers generally throughout the county will be glad to learn that the manufactories of the Buckeye, Ohio and Union mowing machines have adjusted to all conflicting claims as to patent rights, and agriculturists can purchase now without fearing a law suit.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, October 24, 1861

CAMP PIERPONT, [VA.], October 24, 1861 — 5 A. M.

I have only time to write you a few lines, to say that late last night orders came to start early this morning. The direction of our march is not known, but I suppose it to be in co-operation with Banks and Stone, on the river above us.¹  Indeed, the general impression among outsiders is that we ought not to have been withdrawn from Dranesville, as at that place we were within ten miles of the force that attacked Stone. For myself, I ask no questions and don't speculate. I know how impossible it is for outsiders to understand everything. Therefore all I can now say is, that we march.

__________

¹ Engagement at Ball's Bluff, Va., October 21, 1861. Federal loss, killed, wounded, and missing, 921 (O. R.).

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 225

From Port Royal

NEW YORK, May 15.

The U. S. gunboat Catawaba arrived here this morning, eighty hours from Port Royal.  She has 5982 bags of unginned cotton on board.  News unimportant.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

Bishop William Meade to Major General Robert E. Lee, May 6, 1861

MADISON COURT HOUSE, May 6, 1861.

MY DEAR SIR:

In the midst of our troubles and dangers and my own deep grief, it is a great relief to me that in the Providence of God so important a station has been assigned to you, as I believe that by natural and acquired endowments and by the grace of God you are better qualified for the same than any other of our citizens of Virginia. May those talents be guided by God himself in the execution of the high and most trying duties which devolve upon you. My heart dictates these words, and I cannot repress the desire to utter them. I expect to be in Richmond during the next week and then hope to see you.

Most sincerely your friend,

WILLIAM MEADE

Bishop of the P. E. C. of Va.

P. S. — Richmond, Tuesday evening.

I unexpectedly find myself here this evening and shall remain until Thursday morning. If you will mention any time in which you will be disengaged or less engaged in your numerous arduous duties and cares, I will call and see you for a few moments.

Very truly,

W. MEADE.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 142

From Baltimore

BALTIMORE, May 15.

The city is filled this morning with rumors of the taking of Richmond.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

Major General William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, August 20, 1862

MEMPHIS, August 20, 1862.

. . . I see the Cincinnati papers are finding fault with me again. Well, thank God, I don't owe Cincinnati anything, or she me. If they want to believe reporters they may. Eliza Gillespie can tell you whether I take an interest in the sick or no. I never said I did not want cowards from the hospital. I said the Sanitary Committee had carried off thousands who were not sick, except of the war, and for my part I did not want such to return. Men who ran off at Shiloh and escaped in boats to Ohio and remain absent as deserters will be of no use to us here. This is true and those deserters should know it; but the real sick receive from me all possible care. I keep my sick with their regiments, with their comrades, and don't send them to strange hospitals. Our surgeon has a very bad way of getting rid of sick instead of taking care of them in their regiments, and once in the general hospitals they rarely return. This cause nearly defeated us at Shiloh, when 57,000 men were absent from their regiment without leave. McClellan has 70,000 absent from his army. This abuse has led to many catastrophes, and you can't pick up a paper without some order of the President and Secretary of War on the subject.

If the doctors want to do charity let them come here, where the sick are, and not ask us to send the sick to them. As to opening the liquor saloons here, it was done by the city authorities to prevent the sale of whiskey by the smugglers. We have as little drunkenness and as good order here as in any part of the volunteer army.

Cincinnati furnishes more contraband goods than Charleston, and has done more to prolong the war than the State of South Carolina. Not a merchant there but would sell salt, bacon, powder and lead, if they can make money by it. I have partially stopped this and hear their complaints. I hope Bragg will bring war home to them. The cause of war is not alone in the nigger, but in the mercenary spirit of our countrymen.

SOURCES: M. A. DeWolfe Howe, Editor, Home Letters of General Sherman, p. 231-2.  A full copy of this letter can be found in the William T Sherman Family papers (SHR), University of Notre Dame Archives (UNDA), Notre Dame, IN 46556, Folder CSHR 1/147.

New York, May 15 [1862].

The Post says advices per the [Catawba] state that Gen. Hunter had issued a proclamation freeing the slaves in his department.  He was organizing a negro brigade, and had detailed some officers to train the contrabands in the use of arms.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, December 17, 1862

We struck our tents this morning and at 10 o'clock started toward Oxford. We went into bivouac for the night within four miles of the town. The weather is fine for marching and we have good roads.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 87

Strasburg, May 15 [1862].

The rebel cavalry, in small parties, hung around our front, apparently watching our movements and hunting up deserters.

An attempt to flank our advance post at Narrow Passage Creek, was frustrated last night by Gen. Hatch, chief of cavalry, without an engagement.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, October 21, 1861

CAMP PIERPONT, VA., October 21, 1861 — 9 P. M.

We returned this evening from our expedition, which, so far as my brigade was concerned, was very peaceful. The First Brigade, under Reynolds,³ advanced some fifteen miles, and encountered the enemy's pickets, one of whom was killed; nobody hurt on our side. I advanced some ten miles and saw nothing of them. We remained out three days, getting an accurate knowledge of the country, and then returned to this camp. No sooner are we back than orders come to be ready at a moment's notice to go again, and all is now excitement and bustle, though it is night-time. I do not know the meaning, except that something is being done on some other part of the line and we are wanted to support the movement.

__________

³ John F. Reynolds, afterward commanding the left wing of the Army of the Potomac, killed at the battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 224-5

William C. Rives to Major General Robert E. Lee, April 28, 1861

CASTLE H1LL, COBHAM P. O., 28th April, 1861.

MY DEAR SIR:

Being recently in Richmond on business for a single day, I had it very much at heart to call and pay my respects to you.

But being prevented from doing so by very urgent engagements, I hope you will allow me, in this form, to express to you the very great gratification I have felt at your appointment to the chief command of our military and naval forces. The moment is one of so much exigency as to call for a combination of qualities rarely found united in the same character.

In you we feel that we possess them all in their highest development. The confidence and heart of the whole State are with you; and while in so general an acclamation of approbation and congratulation, no one voice can have much value, I trust you will not deem it intrusive if I venture to add mine, with the assurance of the highest respect and warmest good wishes with which I am truly and faithfully,

Yours,

W. C. RIVES.

MAJ.-GEN. ROBERT E. LEE.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 141

Major General William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, August 10, 1862

MEMPHIS, August 10, 1862.

. . . The fact is we are fast approaching a state of war and if soon we don't awake to the dream we will find ourselves involved in war. Thus far it has been by-play, and whilst the whole South is in deep intense earnest we of the north still try reconciliation, etc. I am putting the screws to some, but find more trouble in combatting the North whose merchants and traders think they have a right to make money out of the present state of things, and Memphis was on my arrival fast becoming a depot of supplies for the hostile army in the interior.

If Mr. Lincoln had accepted the fact of war on the start and raised his army, as I then advised, of a million of men, the South would have seen they had aroused a lion. Whereas by temporizing expedients, first 75,000, then ten new regiments, then half a million, etc., they find it necessary again and again to increase the call. Well, at last I hope the fact is clear to their minds that if the North design to conquer the South, we must begin at Kentucky and reconquer the country from there as we did from the Indians. It was this conviction then as plainly as now that made men think I was insane. A good many flatterers now want to make me a prophet . . . .

SOURCES: M. A. DeWolfe Howe, Editor, Home Letters of General Sherman, p. 230-1.  A full copy of this letter can be found in the William T Sherman Family papers (SHR), University of Notre Dame Archives (UNDA), Notre Dame, IN 46556, Folder CSHR 1/147.

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, December 16, 1862

The Sixth Division received orders to be ready to march in the morning. We have been in the rear of the army and we are now to move forward. The railroad being in operation now, it is said that our base of supplies will be moved forward and established at Holly Springs, Mississippi.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 87

From The Second Iowa Cavalry

CAMP BETWEEN HAMBURG AND CORINTH,

Wednesday, May 7, 1862.

EDITOR GAZETTE:  First allow me to acknowledge the regular receipt of the GAZETTE, of the same dates and as late news as other city dailies, and frequently they come one day ahead of the news dealers; all of which is gratefully acknowledged and fully appreciated by your humble servant.

On Sunday morning, some twenty regiments of infantry, with bands playing and banners floating to the breeze, marched through our camp advancing to the front followed by batteries of light artillery, and some long 30 pounder Parrott field pieces.  Everything betokened a general forward movement; but on Sunday night a heavy rain flooded the country, rendering an advance impossible for a few days.

Capt. Sanford, Co. H, in consequence of impaired health, has resigned, and Lt. Joseph Freeman, of Co. C, has been assigned to the command, which gives general satisfaction.

The wife of Capt. Frank A. Kendrick is on a short visit to camp, having arrived a few days since from Cape Girardeau, Mo., where she had been with friends for some time past.  About the last of April she became a party to a transaction, that whilst it rid the world of a villain, proves her the worthy wife of a Union officer, and shows that the honor of Iowa’s gallant sons may be safely entrusted to her fair daughters. –

[As we have already published the particulars of this heroic act, we omit “Diff’s” description, further than to state the name of the villain killed was Samuel Sloan, and that he left a wife and child.  “Diff” speaks thus of the pistol used on the occasion:– ED. GAZ.]

The pistol used was loaded by Sloan in Mr. Morrison’s store last Spring, to “shoot the first man that should run up a Union flag in Cape Girardeau.”  It was left in the store, and Mr. M. to prevent harm, took it home, where it remained until as above stated.  The ball, loaded by this traitor to his country to murder a Union man, was by the judicious handling of a Union officer’s wife, the means of arresting in his mad career this specimen of Southern Chivalry.

THURSDAY, May 8. – Three dry days, and the engineer regiment having rendered the road passable, orders were received last night to move this morning.  We were up at three o’clock and tents down at sunrise.  The brigade (2nd Iowa and 2d Michigan cavalry,) moved forward, followed by their train.  A camp was selected at this place, (four miles,) and the column without halting passed on to the front.  The country is up hill and down, with occasional ‘sloughy’ levels between them.  The soil is thin and poor.  Pine trees begin to appear interspersed among other timber.  The farms are few, and it would be little harm were they fewer!  From prisoners and the inhabitants we learn the market prices at Corinth, viz: soft hats, $5 to $10; boots, $15 to $25; coffee, $10, and none at that; salt, $15 per sack, &c.; and no money to buy.  Cotton no sale.

Yesterday Col. Elliott visited the enemy with a flag of truce.  He merely got within their lines, and had the privilege of returning.  To-day Beauregard returned the compliment, both of which probably resulted in nothing except information gained by the way.

Our troops were in line of battle to-day a mile beyond Farmington, and within three miles of Corinth.  The 2d Cavalry were skirmishing, and got into close quarters, not without loss.  John Wilson, Co. B, of Marshall county, was killed; shot through the chest and head.  His body is now here, and will be buried to-morrow.  Harry Douthil, Co. D, is severely wounded, shot in the head and leg; and James Slawter, Co. D, through the wrist and calf of the leg.  Lt. Washburne, Co. D, was surrounded and taken prisoner.  He had delivered his arms, retaining one revolver, and as his captors were retreating with him, some of his company rallied and pursued.  The lieutenant, drawing his revolver, wheeled his horse, and broke from them.  A volley sent after him killed his horse, but he made his escape, is safe and sound, and ready for another trial.  A Major of the 7th Ill. Cavalry was killed.  It is now past 10 p. m., and our regiment is just coming in, tired and hungry enough.

The country about Farmington (4 miles from Corinth) is more open.  Our forces will probably move their camps, forage rations, &c., forward to that locality to-morrow and next day, get ready on Sunday, and if the weather continues dry, about Monday, the 12th, the probabilities are that Gen. Halleck will commence sending “Epistles to the Corinthians,” which will speedily convince them of “sin and judgment to come,” and cause them to seek protection under the sheltering stars and stripes and by renouncing their errors find rest in Abraham’s bosom!  For the fulfillment of which anxiously awaiteth all men.

Your obt., &c.

DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 15, 1862, p. 2

16th Iowa Infantry Correspondence

CAMP NEAR PITTSBURG, Tenn.,

May 4, 1862.

EDITOR GAZETTE. – I have been intending to write to you for some time, but our frequent moving, sickness, &c., have prevented.  Even now there is no certainty that a letter commenced will be finished at one writing or in the same camp, even if it take[s] only an hour to write it.  Our marching orders are sudden, and the brief interval is a busy time of preparation.  At all times we have to be prepared for a battle, and generally with rations cooked ahead.  The battle will be daily or hourly expected until it happens, unless we should get news of Beauregard’s retreat, something we do not expect.

A little over a week ago we were in camp thirteen miles from our present location.  An order to move received after dinner, a dismally rainy afternoon, took us four miles away through mud and mire to supper.  We left a beautiful camp, but located in one even more lovely, we occupy the left, the 15th next, 13th next and the 11th on the right, Col. Crocker of the 13th commanding the brigade – (these are the regular positions of the regiments of the brigade in camp.)  Had a brigade inspection, by Inspector Gen. Judah, and our regiment was probably more complimented than any other.

On the 29th our brigade was ordered to march with all the ammunition we could carry, and two day’s rations.  We started in the afternoon, with the prospect of a fight ahead, Lieut. Col. Sanders in command of the 16th, Col. Chambers being absent for some days, with the intention of staying perhaps a month, on business connected with his old government duties.  We marched eight or nine miles and after dark we halted in the woods, where we slept on the ground without covering, in the old style.  In the morning we marched about a mile farther, halted, and soon about faced and marched back to our own camp.  Gen. Wallace’s cavalry attacked Purdy, and we were sent out to support him, and make a reconnoissance.  But he took the place without our aid, and destroyed a long railroad bridge and another property used by the rebels – a serious disaster to our butternut breeched friends.

April 30th, we had our regular inspection and muster for May.  The “pay” has not yet turned up, however.

May 1st, We again struck our tents, and made another move of four miles towards the advance, and in such a lovely place we felt an inward conviction it could not long be enjoyed by us.  Here we received notice that our Division (6th) had a new commander, Gen. McKean being transferred to the first division, and Gen. T. W. Sherman (Port Royal and “Sherman’s Battery” Sherman) commanding our division.  He is reported a splendid officer.

My 3d, yesterday we again moved our camp, taking a five mile step in the advance.  This time the 16th landed with its tents in the middle of a wheat field, far different from the rare forest beauties of our other camps.  The wheat is about a foot high and moderately thick.  The planter is doubtless with the rebel army.  At all events as there are tents scattered all over the immense field, the crop will be effectually blasted.  This country is sparsely settled, and but little cultivated.  It is a beautiful region, but soil generally poor – yet good enough to produce will under free culture.  Whether our camp is in Tennessee or Mississippi, I do not know.  It is certainly very near the line, and about seven miles from Corinth.

Yesterday afternoon there was heavy artillery firing several miles off, and for an hour or two we expected to be called to march and mingle in the strife.  The roar of guns finally died away, and the cause remains yet unexplained to us.  At night we were ordered to provide four days rations, and may any hour be ordered to march leaving our tents behind.

Yesterday, our regimental commander commenced “stripping” us for a fight or quicker marching.  Each company left behind two or three of its five Sibley tents, one of the two officers’ tents, and all the “property” that could be spared, the hospital and extra commissary stores, bed ticks, extra blankets and sick.  Although we have not so large a sick list as a week ago (about one hundred off duty now) yet the sick have been a great incumbrance, and their frequent removals over these very rough roads have been anything but beneficial.  Every regiment has a train of convalescents straggling in its rear when changing camps, with the bed confined to follow in ambulances and wagons.  Yesterday our sick were sent to the river hospital, excepting those likely to be ready for duty in a few days.  This will greatly relieve us, and be better for them.  Several of our officers are sick, and this morning Capt. Smith, of Co. A, will be sent to the hospital, where he out to have been days ago.  He is the “noblest Roman of all,” did his whole duty in the battle, and has been the most eager for another fight.  The prevailing sickness is diarrhea, and it seems uncommonly difficult to control.  Mere astringent medicines will not do it in most cases, but the cause has to be struck at.  The 15th has about two hundred on its sick list, and ever regiment has a pretty large list.  There are however, but few deaths.  Several have died in our regiment, and among them is the old drummer, Mr. Russell, of Boone county.  He was 78 years old, and was a drummer in the war of 1812.  He had not been well since we left Camp McClellan, and here he got the diarrhea which in a few days carried him off.

A letter in the Lyons Mirror has created great indignation among our men and officers, from Clinton Co. especially.  Speaking of the battle the writer (suspected to be an officer most ridiculously bepuffed in the letter) says the 15th did not leave the field until the 77th Ohio and the 16th Iowa had retired.  Now the fact is, the 16th did not leave till that identical 15th flag sent home to the State Historical Society with several holes in it, had gone from the field, and the most of the 15th with it.  This flag had been stuck up on a stump in the battle, and was a pretty mark to shoot at, and without endangering the color sergeant or guard.  I was in another part of the field, but these are told me as facts by a number of reliable officers and men who witnessed what they state.  Our color sergeant was killed while gallantly bearing his banner, and six of the eight color guard wounded.  The 15th did not occupy the position at all stated by this Lyons Mirror correspondent, who was either not in the battle or too badly scared to notice the position of things.  Both regiments did well, and neither should, in doing justice to itself, do injustice to the other.  Both have been outrageously slandered, without cause, and both are eager for another fight to properly annihilate these slanders by deeds instead of words.

Our old friend Wilkie, the war correspondent of the N. Y. Times, is in our camp nearly every day, and is actively at work getting items in this great field of military operations.

J. B.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 15, 1862, p. 2

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, October 18, 1861

CAMP PIERPONT, VA., October 18, 1861.

I had just seated myself to write you a nice long letter, when orders came to march to-morrow, requiring me to stir about and give the requisite directions. The enemy, it is understood, have fallen back to their old lines at Bull Run. They have had a force above us at Leesburg, which it is believed they are withdrawing. The object of our expedition is to advance some twelve or fifteen miles to the front, to reconnoitre the country, and also with the hope of cutting off some of their troops coming down from Leesburg. We go with the whole division, some twelve thousand strong, with three batteries of artillery, and if we encounter any of their troops, will have a very pretty chance for a nice little fight of our own. It is very late, and I have to be in the saddle very early. I am quite well.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 224

Major General Robert E. Lee to Mary Custis Lee, May, 16, 1861

May, 16, 1861.

I witnessed the opening of the convention yesterday, and heard the good Bishop's sermon for the fiftieth anniversary of his ministry. It was most impressive, and more than once I felt the tears coursing down my cheeks. It was from the text, “And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou?” It was full of humility and self-reproach.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 141

Major General William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, July 31, 1862

MEMPHIS, July 31, 1862.

. . . As to freeing the negroes, I don't think the time is come yet. When negroes are liberated either they or masters must perish. They cannot exist together except in their present relation, and to expect negroes to change from slaves to masters without one of those horrible convulsions which at times startle the world is absurd. The war this fall and winter will be very bloody, and the South will get the advantage. They now have the advantage in numbers and position. They are concentrated and we scattered. They were nearly out of bacon and salt meat, but the desire of our people to trade has soon supplied this. Cincinnati has sent enough salt to supply all their army for six months. In like manner the Jews and speculators have sent in enough gold to get all the cartridges necessary, so the two wants of the army are supplied, a whole year lost to the war, and some Jews and speculators have made ten per cent profit. Of course our lives are nothing in the scales of profit with our commercial people. The buying of cotton by the people of the South was one act of folly, but our buying the refuse of them for gold and especially shipping salt, which from scarcity has risen to $100 a barrel, is a greater act of folly. I have stopped it instanter on reaching the river, but the thing is going on all round me, by consent of the Board of Trade of Cincinnati, Louisville, etc. I am getting tired of this, and of the volunteer service, and would escape if I could. . . .

Our camp is a pleasant one, ground enough, but contracted, Secesh on both sides and all round. The idea of making them take the oath is absurd. Of course I know, and everybody knows, they prefer the South to the North, and that they hope and pray that the Southern army will in due time destroy us. I go on the theory that all the leading men are Secesh and the laborers and mechanics neutral or tired of war. . . .  We are in our enemy's country and I act accordingly. The North may fall into bankruptcy and anarchy first, but if they can hold on the war will soon assume a turn to extermination, not of soldiers alone, that is the least part of the trouble, but the people.

SOURCES: M. A. DeWolfe Howe, Editor, Home Letters of General Sherman, p. 229-30.  A full copy of this letter can be found in the William T Sherman Family papers (SHR), University of Notre Dame Archives (UNDA), Notre Dame, IN 46556, Folder CSHR 1/147.

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, December 15, 1862

The railroad bridge across the Tallahatchie river is repaired now, and the first train came through today. The cars can run as far as Oxford now. The quartermaster of our division has brought together at this place about $1,000,000.00 worth of cotton, which is to be shipped to the North.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 87

Review: Hell or Richmond

Hell or Richmond By Ralph Peters 

In a series of battles between May 4 & June 24, 1864 the Army of the Potomac directed by Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant and commanded by Major General George G. Meade clashed with the Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by General Robert E. Lee, in what would later become known as The Overland Campaign.  The ferocity and near daily combat during those two months shocked the divided and warring nation. The combined casualties of both armies totaled over 88,000 men killed, wounded, captured or missing.  It was the last year of the war, a baptism of fire that lasted four long years, the beginning of its cataclysmic end, that would forge a new, united nation from its warring factions.

Best-selling author, Ralph Peters, uses the backdrop of The Overland Campaign for his novel, “Hell or Richmond.”  From the battles at The Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House to The Battle of Cold Harbor Peters graphically covers much of The Overland Campaign.

Officers such as Ulysses S Grant, General-in-Chief of the United States Army; Major General George G. Meade, commander of the Army of the Potomac; and Francis Channing Barlow, the Union’s Harvard-valedictorian “boy general,” as well as Confederate General Robert E. Lee, Major General John Brown Gordon, and William C. Oates, Colonel of the 15th Alabama Infantry take their places in Mr. Peters’ narrative beside the enlisted men of both armies.

Historical fiction fills the gaps where its counterpart, nonfiction, cannot go.  Peters’ narrative breathes life into his the men of our historical past, and viscerally reveals the life of a civil war soldier before, during and after a battle; the hunger, the dirt and grime, the smell, the blood and gore.  Where more often than not historical fiction authors fail, Peters excels and does not hold back with his bloody and gory descriptions of wounds received by 18th century projectiles.  His dialogue is sometimes salty and profane, but nevertheless rings true of combat veterans.

Ralph Peters’ “Hell or Richmond” masterfully combines descriptive narrative and coarse dialogue which doesn’t sound as if had been vetted for a prime-time television viewing audience, and successfully transports his 21st century readers to the unpleasantness of the summer of 1864 Virginia.

ISBN 978-0765330482, Forge Books, © 2013, Hardcover, 544 pages, Maps, $25.99.  To purchase this book click HERE.

Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, Second Edition (1886), Volume 1, p. 282-3

A short time before leaving Corinth I rode from my camp to General Halleck's headquarters, then in tents just outside of the town, where we sat and gossiped for some time, when he mentioned to me casually that General Grant was going away the next morning. I inquired the cause, and he said that he did not know, but that Grant had applied for a thirty days' leave, which had been given him. Of course we all knew that he was chafing under the slights of his anomalous position, and I determined to see him on my way back. His camp was a short distance off the Monterey road, in the woods, and consisted of four or five tents, with a sapling railing around the front. As I rode up, Majors Rawlins, Lagow, and Hilyer, were in front of the camp, and piled up near them were the usual office and camp chests, all ready for a start in the morning. I inquired for the general, and was shown to his tent, where I found him seated on a camp-stool, with papers on a rude camp-table; he seemed to be employed in assorting letters, and tying them up with red tape into convenient bundles. After passing the usual compliments, I inquired if it were true that he was going away. He said, “Yes.” I then inquired the reason, and he said: “Sherman, you know. You know that I am in the way here. I have stood it as long as I can, and can endure it no longer.” I inquired where he was going to, and he said, “St. Louis.” I then asked if he had any business there, and he said, “Not a bit.” I then begged him to stay, illustrating his case by my own.

Before the battle of Shiloh, I had been cast down by a mere newspaper assertion of “crazy;” but that single battle had given me new life, and now I was in high feather; and I argued with him that, if he went away, events would go right along, and he would be left out; whereas, if he remained, some happy accident might restore him to favor and his true place. He certainly appreciated my friendly advice, and promised to wait awhile; at all events, not to go without seeing me again, or communicating with me. Very soon after this, I was ordered to Chewalla, where, on the 6th of June, I received a note from him, saying that he had reconsidered his intention, and would remain. I cannot find the note, but my answer I have kept.

SOURCE: William T. Sherman, Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, Second Edition (1886), Volume 1, p. 282-3

Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Ulysses S. Grant, June 6, 1862

CHEWALLA, June 6, 1862.

Major-General GRANT.

MY DEAR SIR: I have just received your note, and am rejoiced at your conclusion to remain; for you could not be quiet at home for a week when armies were moving, and rest could not relieve your mind of the gnawing sensation that injustice had been done you.

SOURCE: William T. Sherman, Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, Second Edition (1886), Volume 1, p. 284

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, October 14, 1861

CAMP PIERPONT, VA., October 14, 1861.

We see their pickets and lookouts on all prominent points in front of us, and this afternoon towards sunset they opened a battery on our left (I mean by ours, McCall’s Division). I saw the flash of the guns, but could not see where the shot fell, or at what part of our line they were firing. I think we are on the eve of important events, and that it will not be long before we have a struggle. For my part, I do not desire it postponed, and was quite disappointed they did not attack us.

The country is becoming impatient at the apparent inactivity of our troops, and I have no doubt, if the enemy afford McClellan any chance which he deems favorable, he will attack them.

I went over to-day to see our friend W. F. Smith, commanding the division next to us. Madame was there, and I went over by invitation to luncheon and to see her. She asked where you were, and I said in Philadelphia, at which she expressed a little surprise, when I told her you had a brigade of infantry that required as much talent to command and as close attention to duties as our brigades. I heard Miss Anne Biddle was in camp the other day, visiting Colonel Charles J.1 By-the-by, I don't remember having told you that Charley’s regiment (the Bucktails, as they are called, from having this appendage in their caps) was in my brigade for a week, and when taken from me, expressed, Colonel and all, the greatest regret, for in that short time we had become most excellent friends. I met to-day Lieutenant Colonel Penrose,² who said he was the son of the former Solicitor of the Treasury, and a brother of Dr. Penrose. This makes the third of your connections in my brigade.

__________

¹ Charles J. Biddle, colonel 42d Regt. Pa. Vols.

² Wm. M. Penrose, lieutenant-colonel 35th Regt. Pa. Vols.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 223-4

Major General Robert E. Lee to Mary Custis Lee, May 2, 1861

May 2, 1861.

I have just received Custis’s letter of the 30th, enclosing the acceptance of my resignation. It is stated it will take effect on the 25th of April. I resigned on the 20th, and wished it to take effect on that day. I cannot consent to its running on farther, and he must receive no pay if they tender it beyond that day, but return the whole if need be.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 141

Major General William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, June 6, 1862

Camp at Chewalla, 10 miles N. West of Corinth

 daylight, June 6, 1862.

. . . I get nearly all or all the papers here somehow or other, and have seen most of the pieces you have clipped out, but I had not seen that of your father from the Louisville Journal signed E. It is sufficiently complimentary, more so than I merit, from such a high source, and the illustration of the fable of the warrior's fight with the mud turtles is very strong and like your father. I will get even with the miserable class of corrupt editors yet. They are the chief cause of this unhappy war. They fan the flames of local hatred and keep alive those prejudices which have forced friends into opposing hostile ranks. At the North and South each radical class keeps its votaries filled with the most outrageous lies of the other. In the North the people have been made to believe that those of the South are horrid barbarians, unworthy a Christian burial, whilst at the South the people have been made to believe that we wanted to steal their negroes, rob them of their property, pollute their families, and to reduce the whites below the level of their own negroes. Worse than this at the North, no sooner does an officer rise from the common level, but some rival uses the press to malign him, destroy his usefulness, and pull him back to obscurity or infamy. Thus it was with me, and now they have nearly succeeded with Grant. He is as brave as any man should be, he has won several victories such as Donelson which ought to entitle him to universal praise, but his rivals have almost succeeded through the instrumentality of the press in pulling him down, and many thousands of families will be taught to look to him as the cause of the death of their fathers, husbands and brothers.

The very object of war is to produce results by death and slaughter, but the moment a battle occurs the newspapers make the leader responsible for the death and misery, whether of victory or defeat. If this be pushed much further officers of modesty and merit will keep away, will draw back into obscurity and leave our armies to be led by fools or rash men, such as _____.  Grant had made up his mind to go home, I tried to dissuade him, but so fixed was he in his purpose that I thought his mind was made up and asked for his escort a company of 4th Illinois. But last night I got a note from him saying he would stay.¹ His case is a good illustration of my meaning.

He is not a brilliant man and has, himself, thoughtlessly used the press to give him éclat in Illinois, but he is a good and brave soldier, tried for years; is sober, very industrious and as kind as a child. Yet he has been held up as careless, criminal, a drunkard, tyrant and everything horrible. Very many of our officers, knowing how powerful is public opinion in our government have kept newspaper correspondents near their persons to praise them in their country papers; but so intense is public curiosity that several times flattery designed for one county has reached others, and been published to the world, making their little heroes big fools. It had become so bad — and the evil is not yet eradicated —  that no sooner was a battle fought than every colonel and captain was the hero of the fight. Thus at Shiloh, for a month, all through Illinois and Missouri a newspaper reader would have supposed McClernand and Lew Wallace were away ahead of my division, whereas the former was directly behind me, and the other at Crump's Landing. Again, at Corinth you will hear of five hundred first men inside the works. Let them scramble for the dead lion's paw. It is a barren honor not worth contending for. If these examples and a few more will convince the real substantial men of our country that the press is not even an honest exponent of the claims of men pretending to serve their country, but the base means of building up spurious fame and pulling down honest merit, I feel that I have my full reward in being one of the first to see it and suffer the consequences. . . .

__________

¹ See Memoirs, I, 283.

SOURCES: M. A. DeWolfe Howe, Editor, Home Letters of General Sherman, p. 226-9.  A full copy of this letter can be found in the William T Sherman Family papers (SHR), University of Notre Dame Archives (UNDA), Notre Dame, IN 46556, Folder CSHR 1/146.