Major General George B. McClellan to Edwin M. Stanton, June 25, 1862 – 6:15 p.m.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

Camp Lincoln, June 25, 1862 – 6.15 p.m.

I have Just returned from the field, and find your dispatch in regard to Jackson.

Several contrabands just in give information confirming the supposition that Jackson's advance is at or near Hanover Court-House, and that Beauregard arrived, with strong re-enforcements, in Richmond yesterday.

I incline to think that Jackson will attack my right and rear. The rebel force is stated at 200,000, including Jackson and Beauregard. I shall have to contend against vastly superior odds if these reports be true; but this army will do all in the power of men to hold their position and repulse any attack.

I regret my great inferiority in numbers, but feel that I am in no way responsible for it, as I have not failed to represent repeatedly the necessity of re-enforcements; that this was the decisive point, and that all the available means of the Government should be concentrated here. I will do all that a general can do with the splendid army I have the honor to command, and if it is destroyed by overwhelming numbers, can at least die with it and share its fate. But if the result of the action, which will probably occur to-morrow, or within a short time, is a disaster, the responsibility cannot be thrown on my shoulders; it must rest where it belongs.

Since I commenced this I have received additional intelligence confirming the supposition in regard to Jackson's movements and Beauregard's arrival. I shall probably be attacked to-morrow, and now go to the other side of the Chickahominy to arrange for the defense on that side. I feel that there is no use in again asking for re-enforcements.*

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General.

Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

__________

* See Lincoln to McClellan, Part III, p. 259

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 11, Part 1 (Serial No. 12), p. 51

Major General George B. McClellan to Edwin M. Stanton, June 25, 1862 – 10:40 p.m.

PORTER'S HEADQUARTERS, June 25, 1862 – 10.40 p.m.

(Received June 26 – 3 a.m.)

Hon. E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

The information I received on this side tends to confirm impression that Jackson will soon attack our right and rear. Every possible precaution is being taken. If I had another good division I could laugh at Jackson. The task is difficult, but this army will do its best, and will never disgrace the country. Nothing but overwhelming forces can defeat us. Indications are of attack on our front to-morrow. Have made all possible arrangements.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 11, Part 3 (Serial No. 14), p. 254

Major General George B. McClellan to Abraham Lincoln, June 18, 1862

McCLELLAN'S June 18, 1862.

The PRESIDENT:

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your dispatch of to-day. Our army is well over the Chickahominy, except the very considerable forces necessary to protect our flanks and communications. Our whole line of pickets in front runs within 6 miles of Richmond. The rebel line runs within musket-range of ours. Each has heavy support at hand. A general engagement may take place any hour. An advance by us involves a battle more or less decisive. The enemy exhibit at every point a readiness to meet us. They certainly have great numbers and extensive works. If 10,000 or 15,000 men have left Richmond to re-enforce Jackson it illustrates their strength and confidence. After to-morrow we shall fight the rebel army as soon as Providence will permit. We shall await only a favorable condition of the earth and sky and the completion of some necessary preliminaries.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 11, Part 3 (Serial No. 14), p. 233

Major General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, March 30, 1863

Falmouth, Va., March 30, 1863.

I am truly glad to hear Franklin called to see you. I am sure you will bear testimony to the respect and good feeling I have always expressed towards Franklin, and my earnest desire to avoid being drawn into the controversy between himself and Burnside. I think Franklin missed a great chance at Fredericksburg, and I rather infer from his letter that he thinks so now; but I have always said he was hampered by his orders and a want of information as to Burnside's real views and plans. A great captain would have cast them aside and assumed responsibility. At the same time I must say that he knew and I know that if he had failed, then his going beyond his orders would prove utter ruin.

Deserters from the other side say the men are really suffering from the want of sufficient food, but that their spirit is undaunted, and that they are ready to fight. The morale of our army is better than it ever was, so you may look out for tough fighting next time.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 362

General Robert E. Lee to James A. Seddon, January 16, 1865

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

January 16, 1865.

HON. SEC. OF WAR, RICHMOND.

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th inst., with its enclosures. I thank you for your prompt, energetic measures for the relief of the army. As soon as I was informed of the break in our railroad connections I issued the enclosed appeal to the farmers and others in the country accessible by our remaining communications, and sent Major Tannahill to them to obtain all the supplies that could be procured. I am glad to say that, so far as I know, the crisis in relation to this matter is now past.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

[Indorsement.]

Noted with pleasure. It was the most effectual mode of obtaining supplies — more effective, I doubt not, than coercive action of the Department.

J. A. S.

January 19, 1865.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 349

General Robert E. Lee To The Farmers East Of The Blue Ridge And South Of James River, January 12, 1865

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

January 12, 1865.

TO THE FARMERS EAST OF THE BLUE RIDGE AND SOUTH OF JAMES RIVER:

The recent heavy freshet having destroyed a portion of the railroad from Danville to Goldsboro, and thereby cut off temporarily necessary supplies for the Army of Northern Virginia, an appeal is respectfully made to the farmers, millers, and other citizens to furnish with all possible promptness whatever breadstuffs, meats (fresh or salt), and molasses they can spare. Such citizens as Major Robert Tannahill may select are asked to act as agents in purchasing and collecting supplies through the various officers connected with the commissary department on the lines of railroad.

Arrangements have been made to pay promptly for all supplies delivered under this appeal, or to return the same in kind as soon as practicable.

R. E. LEE.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 349

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, June 4, 1863

We left early this morning to join the army in the rear of Vicksburg, and arrived at General McPherson's headquarters about 5 o'clock in the evening. Here we stacked arms and formed a line of battle. Our men are still shelling Vicksburg day and night. We are here on high ground, but cannot see the town of Vicksburg.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 120

5th Ohio Infantry – 3 Months

Organized at Camp Harrison, near Cincinnati, Ohio, April 20, 1861. Mustered in May 8, 1861. Moved to Camp Dennison May 23, and duty there till June 20, 1861. Reorganized for three years' service at Camp Dennison, Ohio, June 20, 1861. Three months men mustered out July 24, 1861.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1498

5th Ohio Infantry – 3 Years

Organized at Camp Dennison, Ohio, June 20, 1861. Left State for West Virginia July 10, 1861, and duty at Grafton, Clarksburg, Oakland and Parkersburg, W. Va., till August 5. Attached to Kelly's Command, West Virginia, to January, 1862. 2nd Brigade, Lauders' Division, Army of the potomac, to March, 1862. 2nd Brigade, Shields' 2nd Division, Banks' 5th Army Corps, and Dept. of the Shenandoah to May, 1862. 2nd Brigade, Shields' Division, Dept. of the Rappahannock, to June, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 2nd Corps, Pope's Army of Virginia, to August, 1862. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Corps, Army of Virginia, to September, 1862. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 12th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, to October, 1863, and Army of the Cumberland to April, 1864. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland and Georgia, to July, 1865.

SERVICE. – Duty at Buckhannon, W. Va., till November 3, 1861. Action at French Creek November 3 (Cos. "A," "B" and "C"). Picket duty near Romney till January, 1862. Action near Romney December 8, 1861. Expedition to Blue's Gap January 6-7, 1862. Blue's Gap January 7 At Paw Paw Tunnel till March. Advance on Winchester March 7-15. Reconnoissance to Strasburg March 18-21. Battle of Winchester March 22-23. Strasburg and Staunton Road April 1-2. Mt. Jackson April 16. March to Fredericksburg, Va., May 12-21, and return to Front Royal May 25-30. Battle of Port Republic June 9. Battles of Cedar Mountain August 9. Pope's Campaign in Northern Virginia August 16-September 2. Guard trains during the Battles of Bull Run August 28-30. Maryland Campaign September 6-22. Battle of Antietam, Md., September 16-17. Moved to Harper's Ferry, W. Va., September 22, and duty at Bolivar Heights till December. Reconnoissance to Rippen, W. Va., November 9. Reconnoissance to Winchester December 2-6. March to Stafford Court House, Va., December 10-14, and duty there till January 20, 1863. Dumfries, Va., December 27, 1862. "Mud March" January 20-24, 1863. At Stafford Court House till April 27. Chancellorsville Campaign April 27-May 6. Battle of Chancellorsville May 1-5. Gettysburg (Pa.) Campaign June 11-July 24. Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 1-3. Pursuit of Lee to Manassas Gap, Va., July 5-24. Duty at New York during draft disturbances August 15-September 8. Moved to Bridgeport, Ala., September 24-October 3. Reopening Tennessee River October 26-29. Battle of Wauhatchie October 28-29. Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign November 23-27. Lookout Mountain November 23-24. Mission Ridge November 25. Ringgold Gap, Taylor's Ridge, November 27. Scout to Caperton's Ferry March 31-April 2, 1864. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1-September 8. Demonstrations on Rocky Faced Ridge May 8-11. Dug Gap or Mill Creek May 8. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Cassville May 19. New Hope Church May 25. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 26-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Pine Hill June 11-14. Lost Mountain June 15-17. Gilgal or Golgotha Church June 15. Muddy Creek June 17. Noyes Creek June 19. Kolb's Farm June 22. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Ruff's Station or Smyrna Camp Ground July 4. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Peach Tree Creek July 19-20. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Operations at Chattahoochie River Bridge August 26-September 2. Occupation of Atlanta September 2-November 15. Near Atlanta November 9. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. North Edisto River February 12-13. Battle of Bentonville, N. C., March 19-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 24. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D. C., via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 20. Grand Review May 24. Moved to Louisville, Ky., June 6. Mustered out July 26, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 9 Officers and 137 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 55 Enlisted men by disease. Total 203.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1498

Brigadier General Simon B. Buckner to Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant

HEADQUARTERS,

Fort Donelson, February 16, 1862.

SIR: In consideration of all the circumstances governing the present situation of affairs at this station I propose to the commanding officers of the Federal forces the appointment of commissioners to agree upon terms of capitulation of the forces and post under my command, and in that view suggest an armistice until 12 o'clock to-day.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 S. B. BUCKNER,

 Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.

 Brig. Gen. U.S. GRANT,

Commanding U.S. Forces near Fort Donelson.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 160 

Brigadier General Simon B. Buckner, February 16, 1862

HEADQUARTERS,

Fort Donelson, February 16, 1862.

Major Cosby will take or send by an officer to the nearest picket of the enemy the accompanying communication to General Grant, and request information of the point where future communications will reach him. Also inform him that my headquarters will be for the present in Dover.

 S. B. BUCKNER,

 Brigadier-General.

Have the white flag hoisted on Fort Donelson, not on the batteries.

 S. B. BUCKNER,

 Brigadier-General.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 160-1

Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant to Brigadier General Simon B. Buckner, February 16, 1862

HEADQUARTERS ARMY IN THE FIELD,

Camp near Fort Donelson, February 16, 1862.

SIR: Yours of this date, proposing armistice and appointment of commissioners to settle terms of capitulation, is just received. No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 U.S. GRANT,

 Brigadier-General, Commanding.

General S. B. BUCKNER,

Confederate Army.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 161

Brigadier General Simon B. Buckner to Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant, February 16, 1862

HEADQUARTERS,

Dover, Tenn., February 16, 1862.

SIR: The distribution of the forces under my command incident to an unexpected change of commanders and the overwhelming force under your command compel me, notwithstanding the brilliant success of the Confederate arms yesterday, to accept the ungenerous and unchivalrous terms which you propose.

I am, sir, your very obedient servant,

 S. B. BUCKNER,

 Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.

 Brig. Gen. U.S. GRANT, U.S. A.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 161

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, June 3, 1863

We lay still again today, but all improved their time cleaning up their accouterments. We drew two days' rations, which relieved our hunger. We received orders to march early in the morning. Colonel Chambers returned from the North today. He is to take command of our brigade, a thing a great many of the boys were sorry to learn.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 119-20

4th Ohio Infantry – 3 Months

Organized at Camp Jackson, Columbus, Ohio, April 25, 1861. Moved to Camp Dennison, Ohio, May 2, and duty there till June 4. Reorganized for three years' service June 4, 1861. Three months men mustered out July 24, 1861.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1497

4th Ohio Infantry – 3 Years

Organized at Camp Dennison, Ohio, June 4, 1861. Moved to Grafton, W. Va., June 20-23. Attached to McCook's Advance Brigade, West Virginia, to July, 1861. 3rd Brigade, Army of Occupation, West Virginia, to November, 1861. Kelly's Command, West Virginia, to January, 1862. 2nd Brigade, Landers' Division, Army of the Potomac, to March, 1862. 1st Brigade, Shields' 2nd Division, Banks' 5th Army Corps and Dept. of the Shenandoah, to May, 1862. Kimball's Independent Brigade, Dept. of the Rappahannock, to July, 1862. Kimball's Independent Brigade, 2nd Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, to September, 1862. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 2nd Army Corps, to March; 1864. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Army Corps, to June, 1865.

SERVICE. – West Virginia Campaign July 6-17, 1861. Capture of Beverly July 12. Expedition to Huttonsville July 13-16. At Beverly till July 23; thence moved to New Creek. At Pendleton August 7 to October 25. Action at Petersburg September 7 and 12. Hanging Rock, Romney, September 23. Romney September 23-25. Mill Creek Mills, Romney, October 26. Duty at Romney till January, 1862. Expedition to Blue's Gap January 6-7. Blue's Gap January 7. Evacuation of Romney January 10. At Paw Paw Tunnel February 9 to March 7. Advance on Winchester March 7-15. Martinsburg March 9. Cedar Creek March 18. Strasburg March 19. Battle of Winchester March 23. Cedar Creek March 25. Woodstock April 1. Edenburg April 2. Mt. Jackson April 16. March to Fredericksburg May 12-21, and return to Front Royal May 25-30. Front Royal May 30. Battle of Port Republic June 9. Moved to Alexandria, thence to Harrison's Landing June 29-30. Haxell's, Herring Creek, July 3-4. At Harrison's Landing till August 16. Movement to Fortress Monroe, thence to Centreville August 16-28. Cover Pope's retreat from Bull Run to Fairfax Court House September 1. Maryland Campaign September 6-22. Battle of Antietam September 16-17. Moved to Harper's Ferry,  W. Va., September 22, and duty there till October 30. Reconnoissance to Leesburg October 1-2. March to Falmouth, Va., October 30-November 19. Battle of Fredericksburg. Va., December 12-15. At Falmouth, Va., till April 27, 1863. "Mud March" January 20-24. Chancellorsville Campaign April 27-May 6. Battle of Chancellorsville May 1-5. Pursuit of Lee to Manassas Gap, Va., July 5-24. On detached duty at New York City August 15 to September 16. Bristoe Campaign October 9-22. Auburn and Bristoe October 14. Advance to line of the Rappahannock November 7-8. Mine Run Campaign November 26-December 2. Robertson's Tavern or Locust Grove November 27. Mine Run November 28-30. Demonstration on the Rapidan February 6-7, 1864. Morton's Ford February 6-7. Campaign from the Rapidan to the James May 3 to June 15. Battles of the Wilderness May 5-7; Laurel Hill May 8; Spottsylvania May 8-12; Po River May 10; Spottsylvania Court House May 12-21; "Bloody Angle" May 12; North Anna River May 23-26. On line of the Pamunkey May 26-28. Totopotomoy May 28-31. Cold Harbor June 1-12. Before Petersburg June 16-18. Siege of Petersburg June 16, 1864, to April 2, 1865. Old members mustered out June 21, 1864. Consolidated to a Battalion June 26, 1864. Jerusalem Plank Road, Weldon Railroad, June 22-23, 1864. Demonstration north of James River July 27-29. Deep Bottom July 27-28. Demonstration north of James River August 13-20. Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom, August 14-18. Ream's Station August 25. Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher's Run, October 27-28. Dabney's Mills, Hatcher's Run, February 5-7, 1865. Watkins' House March 25. Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9. Boydton and White Oak Road March 29-31. Crow's House March 31. Fall of Petersburg April 2. Sailor's Creek April 6. High Bridge and Farmville April 7. Appomattox Court House April 9. Surrender of Lee and his army. March to Washington, D.C., May 1-12. Grand Review May 23. Mustered out July 12, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 8 Officers and 95 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 3 Officers and 155 Enlisted men by disease. Total 261.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1497-8

John Cummings, Private, Co. A, 16th Iowa Infantry

Shiloh National Cemetery

John Brown to John Brown Jr., November 4, 1850

WHITEHALL, N. Y., Nov. 4, 1850.

DEAR SON JOHN, — I was disappointed in not seeing you and Wealthy¹ while in Ohio; and not till within a few days did I get to know where to write you, as I have been on the move most of the season. I should have written you while at Ravenna, but expected every day to see you. We have trouble: Pickersgills, McDonald, Jones, Warren, Burlington, and Patterson & Ewing, — these different claims amount to some forty thousand dollars, and if lost will leave me nice and flat. This is in confidence. Mr. Perkins bears the trouble a great deal better than I had feared. I have been trying to collect, and am still trying. Have not yet effected a sale of our wool. I expect to take some of the best of my cattle to Akron. Our crops in Essex were very good this season, and expenses small. The family were well when last heard from. Am now on my way home. Ruth was married in September, and I think has done well. I want you to write me at Springfield all how you get along, and what you are doing and intend to do, and what your prospects are. I have in no way altered my plan of future operations since conversing with you, and I found Mr. Perkins's views fully correspond with my own. I have my head and hands quite full; so no more now.

Your affectionate father,

JOHN BROWN.

__________

¹ The wife of John.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 75

From Gen. McClellan’s Army

TUNSTALL’S STATION, VA., May 21.

The Pickets of the enemy were driven across the Bottom bridge yesterday, by the troops advancing in that direction.  The rebels attempted to regain the post by the use of artillery, but failed.  Our batteries opened, shelling the road each side of the bridge.  The advance under Gen. Stoneman, reached New Bridge yesterday, within eight miles of Richmond, but found no enemy in force this side of the Chickahominy, which at that point was a small creek.  The country in that locality is in a good state of cultivation.  Six pieces of artillery were found posted on the opposite bank, but his purpose being not to bring an engagement on, he retired from the ridge and encamped.

During the day, while driving in the enemy’s outposts, he had one man killed and three wounded.

The whole army moved this morning early, with the intention of making a long march.  What roads they took it is not necessary to state, but the headquarters of Gen. McClellan to-night are within a short distance of Richmond, in front of which city is supposed to be encamped the main body of the rebel army.  If they intend to give the Union forces battle, which is almost universally acknowledge to be the case, the hour is drawing near at hand when they will have an opportunity.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 22, 1862, p. 1

Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, April 19, 1861

COLUMBUS, April 19, 1861.

DEAR UNCLE: — I came up last night to help Dr. James Webb get a place as surgeon, and for other purposes not warlike. The doctor left for the East as assistant surgeon of [the] Second Regiment with the soldiers this morning. I shall return home on [the] next train.

At the first, I put down my foot that I would not think of going into this first movement. This, of course, I shall stick to; but if this war is [to] go on, it is obvious that sooner or later thousands will be dragged into it who would now not contemplate doing so. Platt enjoys it hugely. So do all the old-style people who like a strong government. It took a great many delicate youngsters from our neighborhood; almost every other family on our street sent somebody — Wilson Woodrow, Wright, Schooley, of our near neighbors. I saw them in their tents last night — cold as Halifax, and compelled to get up at 2:30 this morning to go East. A sharp experience for tenderly reared boys.

Come down and see us. All well here.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

 SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 9-10