Latest from Yorktown

I learn by steamer from Yorktown that Gen. McClellan has advanced 12 miles beyond Williamsburg, and has had several skirmishes with the enemy, routing them with heavy loss.  The embarkation of our troops for West Point was progressing rapidly.  A heavy battle had taken place on Wednesday, P. M. between the troops under Gen. Franklin and Sedgwick, and the rebels under Lee, who were endeavoring to make their way to Richmond.  It is said to have been the severest battle on the peninsula, and the rebels were totally defeated and flanked, being driven pack towards the forces under Gen. Johnston.  The whole number of federal killed and wounded is 300.

The enemy were driven back by our gunboats with great slaughter.  They had not less than 30,000 men, whilst our whole force was not over 20,000.  Had it not been for the gunboats, they would have been defeated.

Deserters from the enemy report there was great excitement at Norfolk this morning; that Gen. Burnside with a large force was within a few miles of Weldon, and the rebels are evacuating the city at all possible speed.  Sewall’s and Pig Point, they say, are already abandoned, and preparations are making to destroy the navy yard and other public property.

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

Ulysses S. Grant to Jesse Root Grant, May 2, 1861

GENERAL HEAD-QUARTERS, STATE OF ILLINOIS,

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE

Springfield,

May 2nd. 1861.

DEAR FATHER:

YOUR letter of the 24th inst was received the same evening one I had written to Mary was mailed. I would have answered earlier but for the fact I had just written.

I am not a volunteer, and indeed could not be, now that I did not go into the first Company raised in Galena. The call of the President was so promptly responded to that only those companies that organized at once, and telegraphed their application to come in, were received. All other applications were filed, and there are enough of them to furnish Illinois quota if the Army should be raised to 300,000 men. I am serving on the Governor's staff at present at his request, but suppose I shall not be here long.

I should have offered myself for the Colonelcy of one of the Regiments, but I find all those places are wanted by politicians who are up to log-rolling, and I do not care to be under such persons.

The war feeling is not abating here much, although hostilities appear more remote than they did a few days ago. Three of the six Regiments mustered in from this state are now at Cairo, and probably will be reinforced with two others within a few days.

Galena has several more companies organized but only one of them will be able to come in under a new call for ten regiments. Chicago has raised companies enough nearly to fill all the first call. The Northern feeling is so fully aroused that they will stop at no expense of money and men to insure the success of their cause.

I presume the feeling is just as strong on the other side, but they are infinitely in the minority in resources.

I have not heard from Galena since coming down here, but presume all is moving along smoothly. My advice was not to urge collections from such men as we knew to be good, and to make no efforts to sell in the present distracted state of our currency. The money will not buy Eastern exchange and is liable to become worse; I think that thirty days from this we shall have specie, and the bills of good foreign banks to do business on, and then will be the time to collect.

If Mary writes to me any time next week she may direct here to

ULYSSES.

SOURCE: Jesse Grant Cramer, Editor, Letters of Ulysses S. Grant to His Father and His Youngest Sister, 1857-78, p. 31-3

Special Field Orders No. 6.

HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

In the Field, Savannah, Ga.,

January 8, 1865.

The general commanding announces to the troops composing the Military Division of the Mississippi that he has received from the President of the United States, and from Lieutenant-General Grant, letters conveying their high sense and appreciation of the campaign just closed, resulting in the capture of Savannah and the defeat of Hood's army in Tennessee.

In order that all may understand the importance of events it is proper to revert to the situation of affairs in September last. We held Atlanta, a city of little value to us, but so important to the enemy that Mr. Davis, the head of the rebellious faction in the South, visited his army near Palmetto and commanded it to regain it, as well as to ruin and destroy us by a series of measures which he thought would be effectual. That army, by a rapid march, gained our railroad near Big Shanty, and afterward about Dalton. We pursued it, but it moved so rapidly that we could not overtake it, and General Hood led his army successfully far over toward Mississippi, in hopes to decoy us out of Georgia; but we were not then to be led away by him, and preferred to lead and control events ourselves. Generals Thomas and Schofield, commanding the departments to our rear, returned to their posts and prepared to decoy General Hood into their meshes, whilst we came on to complete the original journey. We quietly and deliberately destroyed Atlanta and all the railroads which the enemy had used to carry on war against us, occupied his State capital, and then captured his commercial capital, which had been so strongly fortified from the sea as to defy approach from that quarter. Almost at the moment of our victorious entry into Savannah came the welcome and expected news that our comrades in Tennessee had also fulfilled nobly and well their part; had decoyed General Hood to Nashville and then turned on him, defeating his army thoroughly, capturing all his artillery, great numbers of prisoners, and were still pursuing the fragments down into Alabama. So complete a success in military operations, extending over half a continent, is an achievement that entitles it to a place in the military history of the world.

The armies serving in Georgia and Tennessee, as well as the local garrisons of Decatur, Bridgeport, Chattanooga, and Murfreesborough, are alike entitled to the common honors, and each regiment may inscribe on its colors at pleasure the words "Savannah" or "Nashville." The general commanding embraces in the same general success the operations of the cavalry column, under Generals Stoneman, Burbridge, and Gillem, that penetrated into Southwest Virginia and paralyzed the efforts of the enemy to disturb the peace and safety of East Tennessee. Instead of being put on the defensive, we have at all points assumed the bold offensive, and completely thwarted the designs of the enemies of our country.

By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman:

L. M. DAYTON,

Aide-de-Camp.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 44 (Serial No. 92), p. 16-7.  A copy of this order was forwarded from Major General William T. Sherman to the General’s brother, Senator John Sherman.  It was included in John Sherman’s letter book and therefore also included in Rachel Sherman Thorndike’s The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 242-4.

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, November 10, 1862

We have plenty of water at this camp, but are on short rations, having nothing but “gruel” and sweet potatoes to eat. What the boys call gruel is made from flour and corn meal. The quartermaster issued some flour and meal today, each man drawing his portion and cooking it to suit his taste. The usual method of preparing it is to make a dough and then bake it in the hot ashes or in the frying pan. Some of the new regiments from the North are equipped with shelter tents, each man carrying his part of the tent on his knapsack. The boys have nicknamed the new tents "dog tents." ¹

__________

¹ Our boys were inclined to ridicule the idea of a man having to carry his tent on his back, and gave them the nickname “dog tent.”  But at that very time some of the boys would have been glad for a chance to carry as good tents, for when we were out on the march our tents had to be left in camp or else put in storage, and we would have to bivouac without any protection. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 81-2

Ulysses S. Grant to Mary Frances Grant, April 29, 1861

Springfield, [Illinois]

April 29th, 1861.

DEAR SISTER:

I CAME to this place several days ago, fully expecting to find a letter here for me from father. As yet I have received none. It was my intention to have returned to Galena last evening, but the Governor detained me, and I presume will want me to remain with him until all the troops are called into service, or those to be so called, are fully mustered in and completely organized. The enthusiasm throughout this state surpasses anything that could have been imagined three weeks ago. Only six regiments are called for here, while at least thirty could be promptly raised. The Governor, and all others in authority, are harassed from morning until night with patriotic men, and such political influence as they can bring, to obtain first promises of acceptance of their companies, if there should be another call for troops. The eagerness to enter companies that were accepted by the Governor, was so great that it has been impossible for Commanders of companies to keep their numbers within the limits of the law, consequently companies that have arrived here have all had from ten to sixty men more than can be accepted. The Legislature on Saturday last passed a bill providing for the maintenance and discipline of these surplus troops for one month, unless sooner mustered into service of the United States under a second call. — I am convinced that if the South knew the entire unanimity of the North for the Union and maintenance of Law, and how freely men and money are offered to the cause, they would lay down their arms at once in humble submission. There is no disposition to compromise now. Nearly every one is anxious to see the Government fully tested as to its strength, and see if it is not worth preserving. The conduct of eastern Virginia has been so abominable through the whole contest that there would be a great deal of disappointment here if matters should be settled before she is thoroughly punished. This is my feeling, and I believe it universal. Great allowance should be made for South Carolinians, for the last generation have been educated, from their infancy, to look upon their Government as oppressive and tyrannical and only to be endured till such time as they might have sufficient strength to strike it down. Virginia, and other border states, have no such excuse and are therefore traitors at heart as well as in act. I should like very much to see the letter Aunt Rachel wrote Clara! or a copy of it. Can't you send it?

When I left Galena, Julia and the children were very well. Jesse had been very sick for a few days but was getting much better. I have been very anxious that you should spend the summer with us. You have never visited us and I don't see why you can't. Two of you often travel together, and you might do so again, and come out with Clara. I do not like to urge anything of the kind, lest you should think that I ignored entirely the question of economy, but I do not do so. The fact is I have had my doubts whether or not it would not be more prudent for all of you to lock up and leave, until the present excitement subsides. If father were younger and Simpson strong and healthy, I would not advise such a course. On the contrary, I would like to see every Union man in the border slave states remain firm at his post. Every such man is equal to an armed volunteer at this time in defence of his country. There is very little that I can tell you that you do not get from the papers.

Remember me to all at home and write to me at once, to this place.

BROTHER ULYSSES.

SOURCE: Jesse Grant Cramer, Editor, Letters of Ulysses S. Grant to His Father and His Youngest Sister, 1857-78, p. 27-30

Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, December 31, 1864

[Savannah, Georgia, December 31, 1864.]

I hear the soldiers talk as I ride by, “There goes the old man. All’s right.”  Not a waver, doubt, or hesitation when I order, and men march to certain death without a murmur if I call on them, because they know I value their lives as much as my own. I do not feel any older, and have no gray hairs yet. My health is good, and, save a little rheumatism in my right arm during the last march, I have not been indisposed a day, and even then I rode daily my march. ... I do not fear want of appreciation, but, on the contrary, that an exaggerated faith will be generated in my ability, that no man can fulfil. . . .  I cannot do anything looking to permanency till the war is ended. Thomas’ success in Tennessee, which was part of my plan, will go far to assure the safety of the Ohio Valley.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 241-2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, November 9, 1862

We moved our camp to higher ground today, and are now in camp on the banks of Scott creek.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 81

From Gen Curtis’ Army

ST. LOUIS, MAY 8.

The following dispatch was sent from headquarters this evening:

“ST. LOUIS, May 8, 1862.

“Gen. Curtis reports from Batesville that the enemy in force, on the opposite side of the river, under Coleman, fired on our pickets, wounding one man.  The Union troops returned fire with artillery, and drive the enemy, several of whom were carried from the field, and captured a number of prisoners, about 100 stand of arms, and considerable contraband property.”

About 100 prisoners of war will probably be discharged from the McDowell College to-morrow, upon complying with the conditions in each instance required.

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

Ulysses S. Grant to Jesse Root Grant, April 21, 1861

Galena,

April 21st, 1861.

Dear Father:

We are now in the midst of trying times when every one must be for or against his country, and show his colors too, by his every act. Having been educated for such an emergency, at the expense of the Government, I feel that it has upon me superior claims, such claims as no ordinary motives of self-interest can surmount. I do not wish to act hastily or unadvisedly in the matter, and as there are more than enough to respond to the first call of the President, I have not yet offered myself. I have promised, and am giving all the assistance I can in organizing the company whose services have been accepted from this place. I have promised further to go with them to the State capital, and if I can be of service to the Governor in organizing his state troops to do so. What I ask now is your approval of the course I am taking, or advice in the matter. A letter written this week will reach me in Springfield. I have not time to write to you but a hasty line, for, though Sunday as it is, we are all busy here. In a few minutes I shall be engaged in directing tailors in the style and trim of uniform for our men.

Whatever may have been my political opinions before, I have but one sentiment now. That is, we have a Government, and laws and a flag, and they must all be sustained. There are but two parties now, traitors and patriots and I want hereafter to be ranked with the latter, and I trust, the stronger party. I do not know but you may be placed in an awkward position, and a dangerous one pecuniarily, but costs cannot now be counted. My advice would be to leave where you are if you are not safe with the views you entertain. I would never stultify my opinion for the sake of a little security.

I will say nothing about our business. Orvil and Lank will keep you posted as to that.

Write soon and direct as above.

Yours truly,

U. S. GRANT

SOURCE: Jesse Grant Cramer, Editor, Letters of Ulysses S. Grant to His Father and His Youngest Sister, 1857-78, p. 24-6

Senator John Sherman to Major General William T. Sherman, December 18, 1864

[WASHINGTON, D.C., December 18, 1864]

I need hardly congratulate you on your magnificent campaign through Georgia. This has been and will be done so often that you will not need anything from me on the subject. We have watched with the deepest interest every step of your march that we could trace through the rebel papers. A very excellent map from the Coast Survey is posted in my room, marked with your stopping-places, and has daily been changed, as you progressed to the coast. No such anxiety has been evinced in any campaign by all classes, as in yours. We now hear rumors of the capture of Savannah. I hope we shall get official advices to-day. I live next door to Stanton, and he favors me with the despatches when they come. By the way, he is your fast friend, and was when you had fewer.

The election of Lincoln scarcely raised a ripple on the surface. It was anticipated. Even the Democratic congressmen seem willing to acquiesce cheerfully, and silently submit to all measures deemed necessary. In Congress we have but little to do. New taxes and loans are the principal point of legislation. We will impose taxes enough. Hitherto New England influence has prevented suitable taxation, but now its necessity is imperative. I am assigned Fessenden's place in the Senate as Chairman of Finance, and have enough to do. Chase is Chief Justice. . . .

I could send you letters from very distinguished persons, very complimentary to you, but you will have enough of that incense.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 240-1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, November 8, 1862

Nothing of importance. A large detail from the Sixth Division was sent to clear a place for a drill ground down on the second bottom of the creek south of our bivouac.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 81

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, May 8, A. M.

The iron-clad ship-of-war Galena, and gunboats Arostook and Port Royal started up the James River this morning.  They have passed Dog’s Point battery, and heavy firing has been heard up the river since their departure.  They will cut off the river communication with the rebels south of the Chickamacomico.  Instantly after the gunboats started the rebel tug J. B. White came out in front of Newport News, having left Norfolk this morning with a crew and two citizens on board, on a mission to Tannery Point.  By previous consent, they ran over to Newport News and surrendered to Gen. Mansfield.

Sewall’s Point is being evacuated.  The Monitor, Naugatuck and several gunboats have just left for Sewall’s Point.

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

Major General William T. Sherman to Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, October 9, 1864

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

In the Field, Allatoona October 9, 1864 – 7.30. p.m..

(Received 11 a.m. 10th.)

Lieutenant-General GRANT,

City Point, Va.:

It will be a physical impossibility to protect the roads, now that Hood, Forrest, and Wheeler, and the whole batch of devils, are turned loose without home or habitation. I think Hood's movements indicate a diversion to the end of the Selma and Talladega Railroad at Blue Mountain, about sixty miles southwest of Rome, from which he will threaten Kingston, Bridgeport, and Decatur, Ala. I propose we break up the railroad from Chattanooga, and strike out with wagons for Milledgeville, Millen, and Savannah. Until we can repopulate Georgia, it is useless to occupy it, but the utter destruction of its roads, houses, and people will cripple their military resources. By attempting to hold the roads we will lose 1,000 men monthly, and will gain no result. I can make the march, and make Georgia howl. We have over 8,000 cattle: and 3,000,000 of bread, but no corn; but we can forage in the interior of the State.

 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 39, Part 3 (Serial No. 79),  p. 162

Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant to Congressman Elihu B. Washburne, November 9, 1865

Washington, D. C.,

November 9, 1865.

I WILL be in my new house by Christmas. Without furnishing the fourth story I will have abundance of room for myself and friends. If Mrs. Washburn comes on to visit Washington this winter, bring her to our house. I shall visit New York City a few days next week to close up the papers on my house purchase, and when I return go South on an inspection tour. Once back from that I shall square down for hard work as long as Congress is in session. . . .

SOURCE: James Grant Wilson, Editor, General Grant’s Letters to a Friend 1861-1880, p. 49

Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, October 11, 1864

[KINGSTON, GEORGIA, October 11, 1864]

Hood swung over against my road and broke it this side of Marietta, and forced me to come out of Atlanta to drive him off. He sheered off to the west, and is now below Home. I have taken position here where I can watch him. I still hold Atlanta in strength, and have so many detachments guarding the railroad that Hood thinks he may venture to fight me. He certainly surpasses me in the quantity and quality of cavalry, which hangs all around and breaks the railroad and telegraph wires every night. You can imagine what a task I have, 138 miles of railroad, and my forces falling off very fast. I hear some new regiments are now arriving at Nashville, and they may strengthen my line so that I may go ahead, but Mobile or Savannah should be taken before I venture further. I am far beyond all other columns.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 240

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, November 7, 1862

The weather is fine with quite cold nights. We are on half rations now, because there are no trains through from Corinth.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 81

Come to Terms

POTTSVILLE, May 8.

The [difficulty] with the minors is all settled, and the military return to Philadelphia in the morning.  The employers agree to pay the advance.

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

New Counterfeits

PHILADELPHIA, May 8.

Well executed $100 notes on the Alleghany Bank of Pittsburg, are being pushed on the brokers to-day.  One party has been arrested.

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

Baltimore, May 9 [1862].

Advices via Fort Monroe state that Sewall’s Point has been shelled and a movement on Norfolk commenced.

A battle has taken place at West Point, and the rebels have been defeated with great slaughter.

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

From the South

PITMAN’S FERRY, Ark. 8.

Gentlemen who have been in the South since the commencement of the blockade, arrived here today.  They say they left Memphis two weeks since, coming to Jacksonport on the steam ram Hale, which arrived there last Tuesday; but her officers hearing that our troops were marching on that town, she immediately started down the river.  Our troops reach there the following evening.

Provisions, clothing, and all merchandise are very scarce, throughout the South.  Tennessee money is at a premium of 20 per cent., and gold 100 per cent.  Drafting for the army is going on regardless of position and money.  Union men are flying to the mountains and swamps.

Fort Pillow is the only defense on the Mississippi that is considered secure on the water side.

Price’s army has gone to Fort Pillow and Corinth.  The force at Corinth is supposed to be 100,000.  Fifteen boats are now at Little Rock, taking on board 12,000 Arkansas troops for Corinth.  The rivers have been very high, and Napoleon is now flooded.

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