Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, May 27, 1861

CINCINNATI, [May 27, 1861.]

DEAR UNCLE: — I have nothing in particular you to write. I heard a good war sermon today on the subject, “The Horrors of Peace”!

The weather is very unfavorable for troops in camp — wet and chilly. The tents leak and the ground is low and flat. These things will gradually mend themselves. We shall have precious little business this summer, judging by present appearances. Come down when you feel like it.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BlRCHARD.

 SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 12-3

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, October 22, 1861

CENTREVILLE, Oct. 22d.

. . . I am going to tell you just where your esposo is living for the present. Starting from Mr. Utterbach's on the Warrenton road towards the battleground of Manassas, a street turns off to the right from the Warrenton road. Following the street about one hundred yards brings you to a large stone house, with four chimneys, on the right-hand side of the road. Passing up a flight of steps of nearly eight feet brings you into the porch, after crossing which you enter a hall about ten feet wide, and you have only to come into the first door on your right if you wish to see your husband, seated on the left of a hickory fire, on the opposite side of the room, writing to his sweetheart, or to his esposita, whichever you may choose to call her. Looking around the room, you will see upon the mantel a statuette of a mother with a child in her arms, an oil painting of a beautiful boy, a globe lamp, two candelabra, and two vases. Above the mantel are two rose pictures. On either side of the fireplace is a window, and on the left of the fire are a pair of bellows and a large shovel. On the right are a pair of tongs, and a handsome feather broom for your esposo to sweep the hearth with. So far I have described only the southern wall. Turning your eyes to the right, you will see two windows on the western wall, looking towards the battle-ground of the 21st July. On the left end of this wall hangs the celebrated oil painting, “Beatrice Cenci.” Between the windows is a large portrait (as I suppose) of Mrs. Grigsby. On the right of the right-hand window is a landscape painting. Upon the northern wall to the left of the door is a picture, “The Evening Prayer,” with the invocation, “Defend us from all perils and dangers of the night.” Near this hangs a thermometer. On the right of the door are two other works of art, and between them is the library desk, which is kindly placed at my disposal. Upon the eastern wall, left end, is a picture of “Holyrood.” Near it, but on the right, is a large portrait of Mr. Grigsby. About the centre of the wall is a large mirror — on its right is a picture called “Innocence” — and here is your loving husband!

. . . Our success at Leesburg reflected credit upon Colonel Evans and his heroic brigade.

. . . I have written to Colonel Preston, of Lexington, to join me. My desire is to get a staff specially qualified for their duties, and that will render the greatest possible amount of service to their country. Last night, Drs. White and McFarland reached here and are staying with me. They are just from Synod at Petersburg, and give a very gratifying account of things there. Dr. McFarland is a noble specimen of character.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 196-8

Colonel Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, August 8, 1862

HEADQUARTERS 54TH REGT. O. V. INF.,

CAMP NEAR MEMPHIS, Aug. 8, 1862.

Your letter of the 1st inst. has just been received. I cannot understand why eight days should be consumed in the transit of mail matter when the individual requires only two to pass over the same ground. The army, however, is always scolding the mails, and perhaps without reason. We ought to be thankful for any intelligence, however tardy.

Our tents are pitched in pleasant places near the city, plenty of shade and pure water. The health of my men would improve if they would practise self-denial in food; but the temptation in the shape of green corn, fresh fruit and vegetables is too much for their frail nature to withstand. If I can get them safely through September, they will be in good training for a fall and winter campaign. My own diarrhoea has never left me — I suppose never will. I have lost flesh and strength, but I do not suffer save from the inconvenience and loss of rest at night. Sometimes it is checked slightly, but I think it is chronic and beyond the power of medicine. No furloughs or leaves of absence are granted from this division of the army, on account of sickness or for any other cause. I have asked furloughs for officers and men who have died, and whose lives, I am assured by the surgeons, might have been saved by change of air and alleviation from the miseries of the camp, but never with any success. I would not ask a furlough for myself, I would not take one if offered; but it would be worse than useless to ask. It will be long before I shall see family or friend. This hard, pitiless war will never come to an end in my lifetime. Last night three of my officers, who were badly wounded at Shiloh, returned. Two of them were shot very severely, one having his kidney, lung, and liver pierced with a Minie-ball; and yet, strange to say, he is here to-day reported for duty, while men who got only flesh wounds died. I thought they would not return to their regiment, but they felt the peculiar fascination that few are able to resist. Their welcome by their old comrades in arms was very affecting. Strong men embraced and wept. Those who had stood shoulder to shoulder during the two terrible days of that bloody battle, were hooped with steel, with bands stronger than steel; and those who might have been discharged, the scars of whose honorable wounds were yet raw, forsook friends and the comforts of home to come to their regiment, to the society of their companions. This is the great impelling feeling, though duty, patriotism, and “death's couriers, Fame and Honor, called them to the field again.” No officer whose honor is dear to him can be away now; absence from post is a burning shame and will be a lasting disgrace.

It is not probable that Sherman will be ordered to Vicksburg for some time, if at all. Meanwhile the drill and the discipline of the troops is rigidly enforced. Brig.-Gen. Morgan L. Smith, under whose command the “54th” is brigaded, is a martinet almost to tyranny.

I do not deem it beyond the range of the probabilities of this war that Cincinnati be attacked. Buell will have his hands full to prevent it. The city would be a tempting prize to soldiers.

You had better have an eye on this matter in the making of your fall arrangements. I don't want to write that which will give you uneasiness. I do not regard it as at all certain that Bragg would push his columns up between Curtis and Buell; but it is certain that there is a good deal of disaffection in Kentucky. If Richmond is evacuated — and disease and want of commissary stores may compel this — then desperate men in large guerilla bands may precipitate themselves upon a city so far as I know undefended. The South is a united people; they have over one million and a half of fighting men, their soldiers are better drilled and better disciplined than ours, they are better armed and fight as well, and above all it is far easier for them to keep their regiments filled up to the maximum number, than it is for us. Every man, who is able to fight, is willing to fight. The women, the children, the old, the feeble, take pride in the army, and cheer those on to glory whom they think are winning it in the defence of their homes, their firesides, and the heritage of their fathers.

I saw a sweet little girl the other day the very image of Bettie and very much like her in manners; of course I courted and petted her, notwithstanding she was a most bitter little “Secesh.” It was most amusing to hear her philippics, but I could not help loving her for Bettie's sake, and the little witch, as evidence that I had won her favor, though a “Yank,” came with her father to my camp. She is the first child I have spoken to for six long months, if I make an exception of the occasional pickaninny, an insect with which this sunny South abounds. It was very amusing on the march to see whole flocks of them, generally nude, by the roadside in the care of some ancient mother of the herd.

Enclosed please find an effusion from the pen of Col. Tom Worthington, a brother of the General, with whom I have become quite intimate; the lines were almost if not quite impromptu, written and handed me just after the battle, though since, I believe, published. The allusion to the azalia is very happy; the whole air was redolent with their perfume on the day of the battle, and more than once I caught a handful of them, while my horse was treading among the dead.

This afternoon I am invited to a grand review of the 8th Missouri, and to meet all the field officers of the division at General Sherman's headquarters. Within two or three days we present General Sherman with a sword, and I am expected to make the presentation speech at a grand dinner, at which I suppose nearly all the officers, certainly all the field and staff, will be present. As I remarked of General Smith, so Sherman is a martinet, but he is a soldier, every inch, and as brave as they make them. I fought by his side all day from seven o'clock in the morning till dark on Monday, sat by him when his horse was shot, and saw his hand grazed by a cannon ball. He's every inch a soldier and a gentleman and a chieftain. Colonel Worthington don't like him, which is strange, for they are both West Pointers, but the fact is the Colonel is a little jealous that he has not a higher command.

My prince of horses, Bellfounder, is in splendid health, his neigh rings out long and loud whenever he sees me. You shall ride him if he ever gets home.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 232-5

Major General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, May 7, 1863

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 7, 1863.

I reached here last evening, fatigued and exhausted with a ten days' campaign, pained and humiliated at its unsatisfactory result, but grateful to our heavenly Father that, in His infinite goodness, He permitted me to escape all the dangers I had to pass through.¹ The papers will give you all the details of the movement, so that I shall confine myself to a general account of my own doings. General Hooker's plan was well conceived and its early part well executed. It was briefly thus: A portion of the army were to make a forced march, cross the Rappahannock so high up as to preclude opposition, cross the Rapidan at the lower fords, drive away the defenders of the works placed at the crossings of the Rappahannock nearest to Fredericksburg, and when one of these was opened, the rest of the army was to join the advanced corps, be concentrated, and push the enemy away from Fredericksburg.

I have advised you that on Monday, the 27th ulto., my corps, the Fifth, together with the Eleventh and Twelfth, left camp and reached Kelly's Ford on the 28th. That night and early next morning we crossed the Rappahannock, the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps moving on one road to Germanna Ford and I on another to Ely's ford, of the Rapidan. These fords were reached and crossed by the evening of the 29th. On the 30th we advanced and concentrated at Chancellorsville, a small place on the plank road from Fredericksburg to Gordonsville, and distant some ten miles from Fredericksburg. In this movement we uncovered the United States ford and established communication with our left wing opposite Fredericksburg; thus far the movement was successful. On the 1st inst. two more corps were brought over to Chancellorsville, and the Fifth and Twelfth corps advanced from Chancellorsville towards Fredericksburg; but just as we reached the enemy we were recalled. On our retiring the enemy attacked Sykes's division of my corps and we had a smart fight till dark. The next day, May 2d, the enemy attacked in force, and after a day's hard fighting, owing to the bad behavior of a portion of our troops, the Eleventh Corps, we had to fall back and draw in our lines.

I ought to have mentioned that, simultaneously with our crossing the Rappahannock above, Sedgwick and Reynolds crossed below Fredericksburg, and after occupying the attention of the enemy, so soon as we were established at Chancellorsville, they were withdrawn, and Reynolds joined us on the 30th. When the force of the enemy was perceived, Sedgwick was ordered to recross at Fredericksburg and attack in their rear, which he did, on the 2d inst. On the 3d we had a very heavy fight, in which we held our own, but did not advance, awaiting Sedgwick's operations. On the 4th remained quiet, and in the evening learned that Sedgwick was held in check by superior forces, and his position critical. The enemy not attacking us on the 5th, as we hoped, and finding him too strong to attack without danger of sacrificing the army in case of defeat, Hooker determined to withdraw to this side of the river, which we did without pursuit, on the night of the 5th.

__________

¹ Battle of Chancellorsville, May 3-5, 1863. Federal loss, killed, wounded, and missing, 12,145 (O. R.).

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 370-1

General Robert E. Lee to John C. Breckinridge, April 2, 1865

PETERSBURG, April 2, 1865.

GEN. J. C. BRECKINRIDGE,

Sec. of War.

SIR: It is absolutely necessary that we should abandon our position tonight or run the risk of being cut off in the morning. I have given all the orders to officers on both sides of the river, and have taken every precaution that I can to make the movement successful. It will be a difficult operation, but I hope not impracticable. Please give all orders that you find necessary in and about Richmond. The troops will all be directed to Amelia Court House.

R. E. LEE.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 363

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, July 8, 1863

I came off guard duty this morning at 9 o'clock. There was a hailstorm last night and everything looks nice and green, notwithstanding the fact that there has been no rain for two months. But it is hot and the corn has suffered a great deal. All the fields are planted to corn, as that was the surest way to get food for the rebel army.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 127

40th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, September to November, and mustered in December 7, 1861. Ordered to Eastern Kentucky December 11, 1861. Attached to 18th Brigade, Army of the Ohio, to March, 1862. Unattached, Army of the Ohio to August, 1862. District of Eastern Kentucky, Dept. of the Ohio, to October, 1862. District of the Kanawha, West Virginia, Dept. of the Ohio, to February, 1863. 2nd Brigade, Baird's Division, Army of Kentucky, Dept. of the Cumberland, to June, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Renerve Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to October, 1863. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 4th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, October, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 4th Army Corps, to December, 1864.

SERVICE. – Garfield's Campaign against Humphrey Marshall December 23, 1861, to January 30, 1862. Advance on Paintsville, Ky., December 31, 1861, to January 7, 1862. Occupation of Paintsville January 8 to February 1. Middle Creek, near Prestonburg January 10. Expedition to Pound Gap, Cumberland Mountains, March 14-17. Pound Gap March 16. Moved to Piketon, Ky., and duty there till June 13. Moved to Prestonburg June 13, thence to Louisa July 16, and duty there till September 13. Moved to Gallipolis, Ohio, September 13, thence to Guyandotte, Va., October 4. Moved to Eastern Kentucky November 14, and duty there till February 20, 1863. Ordered to Nashville, Tenn., February 20, thence to Franklin, Tenn. Repulse of Van Dorn's attack on Franklin April 10. Harpeth River, near Franklin, April 10. Duty at Franklin till June 2. Moved to Triune June 2. Middle Tennessee (or Tullahoma) Campaign June 23-July 7. At Wartrace and Tullahoma till September 7. Chickamauga (Ga.) Campaign September 7-22. Reconnoissance from Rossville September 17. Ringgold, Ga., September 17. Battle of Chickamauga September 19-21. Siege of Chattanooga, Tenn., September 24-November 23. Reopening Tennessee River October 26-29. Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign November 23-27. Lookout Mountain November 23-24. Mission Ridge November 25. Ringgold Gap, Taylor's Ridge, November 27. Duty at Whiteside, Ala., till February, 1864. Demonstration on Dalton, Ga., February 22-27. Tunnel Hill, Buzzard's Roost Gap and Rocky Faced Ridge February 23-25. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1 to September 8. Tunnel Hill May 6-7. Demonstration on Rocky Faced Ridge and Dalton May 8-13. Buzzard's Roost Gap May 8-9. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Adairsville May 17. Near Kingston May 18-19. Near Cassville May 19. Advance on Dallas May 22-25. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Allatoona Pass June 1-2. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Pine Hill June 11-14. Lost Mountain June 15-17. Assault on Kenasaw June 27. Ruff's Station, Smyrna Camp Ground, July 4. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Peach Tree Creek July 19-20. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Red Oak Station August 29. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Lovejoy Station September 2-6. Companies "A," "B," "C" and "D" mustered out at Pilot Knob, Ga., October 7, 1864. Operations against Hood in North Georgia and North Alabama September 29-November 3. Moved to Pulaski, Tenn., and duty there till November 22. Battle of Franklin November 30. Veterans and Recruits consolidated with 51st Ohio Infantry December 10, 1864.

Regiment lost during service 6 Officers and 96 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 134 Enlisted men by disease. Total 237.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1515

General Robert E. Lee to John C. Breckinridge, April 1, 1865

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

April 1, 1865.

HON. SEC. OF WAR, RICHMOND.

SIR: After my dispatch of last night I received a report from General Pickett, who with three of his own brigades and two of General Johnston's supported the cavalry under Gen. Fitz Lee near Five Forks on the Road from Dinwiddie Court House to the Southside road. After considerable difficulty, and meeting resistance from the enemy at all points, General Pickett forced his way to within less than a mile of Dinwiddie Court House. By this time it was too dark for further operations, and General Pickett resolved to return to Five Forks to protect his communications with the railroad. He inflicted considerable damage upon the enemy, and took some prisoners. His own loss was severe, including a good many officers. General Terry had his horse killed by a shell, and was disabled himself. Gen. Fitz Lee's and Rosser's divisions were heavily engaged, but their loss was slight. Gen. W. H. F. Lee lost some valuable officers. General Pickett did not retire from the vicinity of Dinwiddie Court House until early this morning, when his left flank being threatened by a heavy force, he withdrew to Five Forks, where he took position with Gen. W. H. F. Lee on his right, Fitz Lee and Rosser on his left, with Robert's brigade on the White Oak road, connecting with General Anderson.

 The enemy attacked General Roberts with a large force of cavalry, and after being once repulsed drove him back across Hatcher's Run.

 A large force of infantry, believed to be the Fifteenth Corps with other troops, turned General Pickett's left, and drove him back on the White Oak road, separating him from Gen. Fitz Lee, who was compelled to fall back across Hatcher's Run. General Pickett's present position is not known. Gen. Fitz Lee reports that the enemy is massing his infantry heavily behind the cavalry in his front. The infantry that engaged General Anderson yesterday has moved from his front toward our right, and is supposed to participate in the operations above described. Prisoners have been taken today from the Twenty-fourth Corps, and it is believed that most of the corps is now south of the James. Our loss today is not known. A report from Staunton represents that the Eighth Corps passed over the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from the 20th to the 25th ult. General Hancock is at Harper's Ferry with 2,000 men. One division of the Tenth Corps is at Winchester with about 1,000 cavalry. The infantry at Winchester have marching orders, and all these troops are said to be destined for General Grant's army.

The enemy is also reported to have withdrawn all his troops from Wolf Run Shoals and Fairfax Station, and to have concentrated them at Winchester.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

 

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 362-3

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major General Nathaniel P. Banks, May 31, 1863

IN REAR OF VICKSBURG, MISS., May 31, 1863.

(Received June 3 – 4 p.m.)

 Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Comdg. Dept. of the Gulf:

GENERAL: Your letters of the 28th and 29th instant, by Colonel Riggin, have just been received: While I regret the situation in which they left you, and clearly see the necessity of your being re-enforced in order to be immediately successful, the circumstances by which I am surrounded will prevent my making any detachments at this time. Concentration is essential to the success of the general campaign in the West, but Vicksburg is the vital point. Our situation is for the first time during the entire Western campaign what it should be. We have, after great labor and extraordinary risk, secured a position which should not be jeopardized by any detachments whatever. On the contrary, I am now and shall continue to exert myself to the utmost to concentrate. The enemy clearly perceive the importance of dislodging me at all hazards. General Joe Johnston is now at Canton, organizing his forces and making his dispositions to attack me. His present strength is estimated at 40,000, and is known to be at least 20,000. The force he took from Jackson was 8,000; [W. W.] Loring's division, which has joined him since the battle of Champion's Hill, 3,000; General [S. R.] Gist, from South Carolina, 6,000; stragglers from Pemberton, 2,000; troops from Mobile, number not known. Besides this, Major-General Hurlbut writes me he is reliably informed that Bragg has detached three divisions from his army to report to Johnston. Pemberton has himself 18,000 effective men.

I have ample means to defend my present position, and effect the reduction of Vicksburg within twenty days, if the relation of affairs which now obtains remains unchanged. But detach 10,000 men from my command and I cannot answer for the result. With activity on the part of the enemy and any increase of his present force, it will become necessary for me to press my operations with all possible dispatch. I need not describe the severity of the labor to which my command must necessarily be subjected in an operation of such magnitude as that in which it is now engaged. Weakened by the detachment of 10,000 men, or even half that number, with the circumstances entirely changed, I should be crippled beyond redemption. My arrangements for supplies are ample, and can be expanded to meet any exigency. All I want now are men.

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

 U.S. GRANT.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 3 (Serial No. 38), p. 367

Charles A. Dana to Edwin M. Stanton, May 28, 1863

BEHIND VICKSBURG, May 28, 1863,

VIA MEMPHIS, May 30 – 9 p.m.

(Received June 1 – 3.15 a.m.)

The siege works progress satisfactorily. Sherman has his parallels completed to within 80 yards of the rebel fortifications. He is able to carry artillery and wagons with horses under cover to that point. McPherson's rifle-pits are at about the same distance from the forts in his front. On both these lines our sharpshooters keep the rebels under cover and never allow them to load a cannon. It is a mistake to say that the place is entirely invested. I made the complete circuit of the lines yesterday. The left is open in direction of Warrenton, so that the enemy have no difficulty in sending messengers in and out. Our force is not large enough to occupy the whole line and keep the necessary reserves and outposts at dangerous and important points; still, the enemy cannot either escape by that route or receive supplies. An officer who returned yesterday from a visit to Jackson with a flag of truce to take supplies to our wounded, found Loring there with his force, apparently reorganizing and ready for movement. The number he could not ascertain, but thought it was 5,000 at least. Loring, you may remember, escaped to the southeast with his division after the battle of Baker's Creek. The gunboat Cincinnati was disabled yesterday in a sharp engagement with the enemy's upper water battery, on Steele's front. She was compelled by discharges of grape to close her bow portholes, and in endeavoring to get away, swung her stern around toward the battery, when she was so badly hit that her commander ran her ashore, and she sank in shoal water. Some twenty-odd lives were lost. She may be raised and saved.

The weather is hot, but not at all oppressive.

C. A. DANA.

Hon. E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 1 (Serial No. 36), p. 90

Edwin M. Stanton to Charles A. Dana, June 5, 1863

WAR DEPARTMENT, June 5, 1863.

C. A. DANA, Esq., Grant's Headquarters, near Vicksburg:

Your telegrams up to the 30th have been received. Everything in the power of this Government will be put forth to aid General Grant. The emergency is not underrated here. Your telegrams are a great obligation, and are looked for with deep interest. I cannot thank you as much as I feel for the service you are now rendering. You have been appointed an assistant adjutant-general, with rank of major, with liberty to report to General Grant, if he needs you. The appointment may be a protection to you. I shall expect daily reports, if possible.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 1 (Serial No. 36), p. 93

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General Henry W. Halleck, May 25, 1863

NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., May 25, 1863.

VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., May 29.

 Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief:

There is evidence of a force collecting near Big Black River, northeast of here about 30 miles. I have ordered all the force that can be spared from West Tennessee, and communicated with General Banks, asking him to come with all the force he can. I can manage the force in Vicksburg and an attacking force on the rear of 30,000, but may have more to contend against. Vicksburg will have to be reduced by regular siege. My effective force here is about 50,000, and can be increased 10,000 more from my own command.

 U.S. GRANT,

 Major-General, Commanding.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 1 (Serial No. 36), p. 39

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, July 7, 1863

A high wind today ended in rain tonight. Colonel Chambers of the Sixteenth Iowa, who has been commanding our brigade, left for Vicksburg this morning to obtain release from this command in order to return to the regular army. The boys of the brigade are glad to see him leave. Colonel Hall takes charge again of our brigade. I went on brigade guard tonight. Our countersign is “Vicksburg.”

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 127

39th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Camp Colerain and Camp Dennison, Ohio, July 31 to August 13, 1861. Left State for St. Louis, Mo., August 18; thence moved to Medon September 6 (9 Cos.). (Co. "K" served detached at St. Louis, Mo., September, 1861, to February, 1862.) Companies "A," "B," "E" and "I" on duty at St. Joseph, Mo., guarding Northern Missouri Railroad September, 1861, to February, 1862. Companies "C," "D," "F," "G" and "H" march to relief of Lexington, Mo., September 12-20; thence to Kansas City September 21-22. Attached to Army of the West and Dept. of Missouri to February, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Army of Mississippi, to April, 1862. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Army of Mississippi, to November, 1862. 1st Brigade, 8th Division, Left Wing 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, to December, 1862. 1st Brigade, 8th Division, 16th Army Corps, to March, 1863. 4th Brigade, District of Corinth, Miss., 2nd Division, 16th Army Corps, to May, 1863. 3rd Brigade, District of Memphis, Tenn., 5th Division, 16th Army Corps, to November, 1863. Fuller's Brigade, 2nd Division, 26th Army Corps, to January, 1864. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, 16th Army Corps, to September, 1864. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 17th Army Corps, to July, 1865.

SERVICE.--Fremont's advance on Springfield, Mo., October 15-November 2, 1861. March to Sedalia November 9-17. Duty at Sedalia and Syracuse, Mo., till February, 1862. Action at Shanghai December 1, 1861. Moved to St. Louis, Mo., February 2, 1862, thence to Commerce, Mo., February 22-24. Siege operations against New Madrid, Mo., March 3-14. Siege and capture of Island No. 10, Mississippi River, and pursuit to Tiptonville March 15-April 8. Expedition to Fort Pillow, Tenn., April 13-17. Moved to Hamburg Landing, Tenn., April 18-22. Action at Monterey April 29. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Reconnoissance toward Corinth May 8. Near Corinth May 24. Occupation of Corinth and pursuit to Booneville May 30-June 12. Duty at Clear Creek till August 29. Battle of Iuka, Miss., September 19. Battle of Corinth, Miss., October 3-4. Pursuit to Ripley October 5-12. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign November 2, 1862, to January 12, 1863. Expedition to Jackson December 18. Action at Parker's Cross Roads December 30. Red Mound or Parker's Cross Roads December 31. Duty at Corinth till April, 1863. Dodge's Expedition to Northern Alabama April 15-May 8. Rock Cut, near Tuscumbia, April 22. Tuscumbia April 23. Town Creek April 28. Duty at Memphis, Tenn., till October, and at Prospect, Tenn., till February, 1864. Reenlisted at Prospect December 26, 1863. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1 to September 8, 1864. Demonstrations on Resaca May 8-13. Sugar Valley, near Resaca, May 9. Near Resaca May 13. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Advance on Dallas May 18-25. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Ruff's Mills July 3-4. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Battle of Atlanta July 22. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Lovejoy Station September 2-6. Operations against Hood in North Georgia and North Alabama September 29-November 3. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Monteith Swamp December 9. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Reconnoissance to the Salkehatchie River, S.C., January 20. Skirmishes at Rivers and Broxton Bridges, Salkehatchie River, February 2. Action at Rivers Bridge, Salkehatchie River, February 3. Binnaker's Bridge, South Edisto River, February 9. Orangeburg, North Edisto River, February 12-13. Columbia February 16-17. Juniper Creek, near Cheraw, March 3. Battle of Bentonville, N. C., March 20-21. Occupation of Goldsboro and Raleigh, 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. Mustered out July 9, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 2 Officers and 62 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 3 Officers and 129 Enlisted men by disease. Total 196.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1514-5

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General Nathaniel P. Banks, May 25, 1863

NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., May 25, 1863.

Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS,

Comdg. Dept. of the Gulf:

I send Colonel Riggin, of my staff, to communicate with you on the subject of co-operation between our respective forces in the effectual opening of the Mississippi River. Colonel Riggin can give you all the particulars of my present situation more minutely than can well be done in a short communication. I now have Vicksburg invested, and draw my supplies from the Yazoo above Vicksburg, and from Warrenton below the city. I feel that my force is abundantly strong to hold the enemy where he is, or to whip him if he should come out.

The place is so strongly fortified, however, that it cannot be taken without either a great sacrifice of life or by a regular siege. I have determined to adopt the latter course, and save my men.

I can get no accurate information as to the number of men the enemy have nor the amount of provisions or ordnance stores. They are evidently deficient in artillery.

The greatest danger now to be apprehended is that the enemy may collect a force outside and attempt to rescue the garrison. My cavalry force is insufficient to guard properly against this, but with what I have I am doing the best I can.

The railroad is effectually broken at Jackson, so that an army to come here within the next twenty days would have to haul their supplies and ordnance stores with teams at least 40 miles. The rebels set such a value upon the possession of a foothold on the Mississippi River, however, that a desperate effort will be made to hold this point. For this reason, I deem it advisable that as large a force be collected here as possible.

Having all my available force that can be spared from West Tennessee and Helena here, to get any more I must look outside of my own department. You being engaged in the same enterprise, I am compelled to ask you to give me such assistance as may be in your power.

When I commenced writing this, it was my intention to propose sending you, if you will furnish the transportation, 8,000 or 10,000 men to co-operate with you on Port Hudson, but, whilst writing, a courier came in from my cavalry, stating that a force of the enemy are now about 30 miles northeast of here. They may be collecting there for the purpose of making an attack. At present, therefore, I do not deem it prudent to send off any men I have, or even safe, without abandoning some of the advantages already gained. I would be pleased, general, to have you come, with such force as you are able to spare. You can be supplied with everything from Young's Point. The road is now good across the point opposite Vicksburg, and, with your transports, the ferriage can be made. I am in hopes this letter will find you in possession of Port Hudson, and, therefore, of a much larger force to bring to this place than you could otherwise detach.

Colonel Grierson would be of immense value to me now. If he has not already started, will you be kind enough to order him here immediately? He should come up the Louisiana shore, to avoid delay.

 U.S. GRANT.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 3 (Serial No. 38), p. 346-7

John Brown to John Brown Jr., October 30, 1851

CLEVELAND, Oct. 30, 1851.

DEAR SON JOHN, — I have just landed here from Buffalo, and expect to leave for Akron by next train. As soon as I learn at what time we shall want you at Pittsburgh I will let you know; but I now suppose we shall want you there immediately, and wish you to hold yourself in constant readiness. Have heard nothing further from home or from Essex since we parted. Met Mr. Jenkins at Albany, and we came on together to Utica. He was pleased with the course we took at Lanesboro, and was in very good spirits; says he learned through Brigham, while at Albany, that Warren's attorneys feel pretty well cornered up:¹ says we did right in not taking your deposition in Burlington case.

Your affectionate father,

JOHN BROWN.

___________

¹ In a previous letter to his family, Brown says (Oct. 6, 1851): “I have strong hopes of success finally in disposing of our business here [Troy], but it is exceedingly troublesome and expensive.”

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 81

Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, April 30, 1861

CINCINNATI, April 30, 1861.

DEAR UNCLE: — Your frequent letters are very acceptable. I am sorry, however, to be compelled to think that we are indebted to your ill health for the favor. Lucy says, “Why don't Uncle come down and make us a visit? If the house has a roof and floors, it is finished enough for war times and needs no further attention.”  You will find it almost as quiet as your own town. About five thousand men have left, and our streets show that even that number missing is noticeable. If any war news comes, we shall be lively enough soon. The first ten days of the war was as jolly and exciting as you could wish.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

 SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 12

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, October 21, 1861

CENTREVILLE, Oct. 21st.

For several days your esposo has been here, and has an extra nice room, the parlor of a Mr. Grigsby, who has promised that he will also let me have another room for my chamber, and then I can use the parlor for my office. He has very kindly offered me the use of his library. The walls of his parlor are hung with pictures and paintings, including large portraits on opposite sides, I suppose of the esposo and esposa. The carpet has been removed, but an abundance of seats have been left, two settees among them. Mr. Grigsby is apparently a man of much character, and I am very much pleased with him. His wife is delicate, and two of his sons have typhoid fever, but are past the critical stage of the disease. He has not yet consented to my staff moving into the house, probably for fear of disturbing the sick. Colonel Jones has resigned and gone home, and Mr. Marshall went with him. They are both nice gentlemen.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 195-6

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, October 15, 1861

October 15th.

The enemy are gradually approaching us.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 195

Colonel Thomas Kilby Smith to Eliza Walter Smith, July 23, 1862

HEADQUARTERS 54TH REGT. O. V. INF.,

MEMPHIS, July 23, 1862.

MY DEAR MOTHER:

I seize the briefest moment to advise you of my health and well being.

We marched into Memphis day before yesterday; shall occupy the city and probably remain for some time. This will be the new base of operations. I found a heavy mail waiting me, and among my letters was overjoyed to see one from you. You may well be sure it was the first I tore open to read, and it was read before I had dismounted, though I had been in the saddle without food or drink since two o'clock in the morning, and it was twelve meridian, under as hot a sun as you can conceive it possible for one to exist under. The mercury stood at 101° in the shade that morning at seven o'clock. The only evil result of that day's march, however, so far as I am concerned, is the loss of the skin of my nose, which was completely peeled off. I can't answer your affectionate letter now, but will do so in a day or two, if I can get an hour's leisure. I have been constantly on the go, our troops are not yet encamped, and as Officer of the Day, my duties have been exceedingly onerous.

I should be glad to come home, but a furlough is a thing impossible; Sherman won't listen to a request even from a sick or dying man; certainly not from one who is at all useful in the service. Even if it could be obtained, I should not like to take a furlough now for many reasons. I am in for the war and the war will be a long one.

Memphis has been an opulent city, laid out in magnificent proportions, containing superb houses, elegant grounds, etc. The people who are left are almost all “Secesh.” The males between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years are ordered off; to-morrow is their last day of grace; consternation, of course, prevails. The headquarters are besieged with ladies asking protection for themselves and families; a very large proportion of them are wives of officers in the Confederate army. They are all bitter as snakeroot, but nevertheless demand, not ask, that protection their natural protectors were unable or unwilling to give.

Few of these can yet realize that war has now commenced in right good earnest; that hereafter desolation and havoc will follow the wake of our army. Heretofore we have preached peace, and sought with the inhabitants of the country through which we have marched, even upon the battlefield, to cultivate friendly relations, warring only with the men-at-arms, fighting to-day with the owners of the property which we detail forces to protect to-morrow. Our famishing and thirsty soldiers as they toiled under the burning sun in the summer days' march have been prevented almost at the point of the bayonet from assuaging their thirst at the roadside well, from pulling an onion from the garden or seizing an apple from the bough on the premises of the men armed and after their heart's best blood. Now this will all be changed. We shall “burn, sink, and destroy!” We shall teach these ingrates that we can punish with a rod of iron, that we can not only meet and vanquish them on the field, but that we have the nerve and the will to sweep them and all they hold dear clean off from the face of the earth.

I hear they are most thoroughly panic-stricken in Cincinnati; that the enemy have been encamped at Florence, only nine miles in front, and that they have some reasons to expect a raid.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 231-2