Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General John A. McClernand, June 6, 1863

NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., June 6, 1863.

Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND,

Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps:

I am going up to Mechanicsburg. Cannot be back before to-morrow night. Make all advance possible in approaches during my absence. Communications signaled to Haynes' Bluff will reach me.

U.S. GRANT.

(Copies furnished Major-Generals Sherman and McPherson.)

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. 387

58th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, October 1, 1861, to January 28, 1862. Moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, February 10, 1862; thence to Fort Donelson, Tenn. Attached to 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1862. Helena, Ark., District of Eastern Arkansas, to November, 1862, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, District of Eastern Arkansas, Dept. of the Tennessee, to December, 1862. 1st Brigade, 11th Division, Right Wing 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, to December, 1862. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, Sherman's Yazoo Expedition, to January, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 15th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, to February, 1863. Detached duty on ironclads Mississippi Squadron to September, 1863. 1st Brigade 1st Division, 17th Army Corps, to September, 1864. Post and Defences of Vicksburg, Miss., to September, 1865.

SERVICE. – Investment and capture of Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 14-16, 1862. Expedition toward Purdy and operations about Crump's Landing, Tenn., March 9-14. Battle of Shiloh April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. March to Memphis, Tenn., June 1-17, and duty there till July 24. Moved to Helena, Ark., July 24, and duty there till October 5. Expedition to Milliken's Bend, La., August 16-27. Capture of Steamer "Fair Play" August 17. Milliken's Bend August 18. Haines Bluff August 20. Bolivar August 22 and 25. Greenville August 23. Moved to St. Genevieve, Mo., October 5. Expedition to Pilot Knob October 22-November 12. Moved to Helena, Ark., and Expedition against Arkansas Post, Ark., November 16-21. At Camp Steele, Helena, Ark., till December 22. Sherman's Yazoo Expedition December 22, 1862, to January 3, 1863. Chickasaw Bayou December 26-28. Chickasaw Bluff December 29. Expedition to Arkansas Post, Ark., January 3-10, 1863. Assault and capture of Fort Hindman, Arkansas Post, January 10-11. Moved to Young's Point, La., January 17-21. Assigned to duty by Companies on the ironclads of the Mississippi Squadron February 8, and participated in the following service: Attack on Fort Pemberton March 13. Expedition up Steele's Bayou March 16-22. Deer Creek, "Long Taw," March 21. Running Vicksburg Batteries April 15. Grand Gulf April 29. Haines Bluff April 30-May 1 and 6. Expedition up Wachita to Trinity May 8-12. Fort Beauregard May 10-12. Siege of Vicksburg May 18-July 4. Yazoo City May 23. Lake Providence June 10. Patrol duty on the Mississippi River from mouth of Red River till July 26. Expedition to Grand Gulf July 10-17. Grand Gulf July 16. Relieved from duty with the fleet and ordered to Vicksburg, Miss. Provost duty at Vicksburg July, 1863, to September, 1865. Old members ordered to Columbus, Ohio, December 24, 1864. Mustered out January 14, 1865. Veterans and Recruits consolidated to a Battalion of five Companies and mustered out September 16, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 3 Officers and 85 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 215 Enlisted men by disease. Total 305.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1524

The Star-Flag Of The Free

(From the Ledger.)

BY GEORGE F. MORRIS.

“The Union now and forever — ONE and inseparable.” — WEBSTER. 

“United we stand — divided we fall.” — PROVERB.

This is the price of Liberty,

“Eternal vigilance and care;”

Sustain the star-flag of the free,

Our Union — represented there.

No traitor shall, with recreant hand,

Remove it from its place on high—

The symbol of our native land,

Which might the world in arms defy!

Oh ye, who cherish Liberty,

And every hope that on her waits,

Preserve for your posterity

The perfect Union of the States.

The stars that flutter to the breeze,

Were cluster'd there at Freedom's call—

Stern Fate foreshadowed all of these,

If sundered, would to ruin fall!

Then read, ye sons of Liberty,

And mark the homely proverb well,

Words that denote your destiny

Should States this solemn truth repel.

In Union there is strength and peace,

In separation endless wars—

Guard, bravely guard, till time shall cease,

Our country's free-born Flag of Stars.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 22, 1862, p. 2

Shall Demagogues rule our Country?

The Democrat is puzzled.  It thinks it very strange if the Democratic party be dead, as some of its leaders have asserted, that republicans should kick its carcass.  It is true the old Democratic party is occasionally held up as a warning; that the civil war is instanced as the fruits of its policy in upholding slavery; and its most favored leader, now in retirement at Wheatland, pointed at as the man under whose administration the war was fomented; still it is not at that defunct political organization the blows of the republican party are aimed, but at the effort that is being made to resurrect it.  In the present distracted condition of the country the people of the North should be one in sentiment, one for the Union under all circumstances and not paralyze their strength by divisions among themselves.

If the Democratic party be dead, argues our neighbor, what the necessity of keeping up the Republican organization?  We answer, because it chimes with the popular sentiment of the North and the fact of its ceasing to exist would be taken as prima facie evidence that its principles were no longer entertained by the people, and the consequence would be, the immediate revival of the Democratic party on the broad basis of slavery as its foundation.  But as they are pro-slavery in principle, they hope with the aid received from the slaveholders of the South, after peace shall have been declared, to have a powerful political organization.  Hence, the leniency toward rebel slaveholders, which they constantly preach, their opposition to every enactment that favors the confiscation of rebel property, and their desire for compromise.  While they know that their party must be organized upon a slavery basis, they are not blind to the fact that it cannot receive much strength from the North, but must look for its element of power to the South.

It was the political demagogues of the South that seized upon the favorable moment to plunge our country into civil war.  Had the judgment of the people been consulted, there would have been no war.  So it is now with the same class of “rule or ruin” men, who, wishing for power, and regardless of the means of obtaining it, would combine the elements of treason into a political party, that they may be foisted into office.  If they succeed in their nefarious intentions our government will be founded upon Sicilian soil, liable at any moment to be disrupted by the internal fires of civil dissension.

Never in the history of our country has there been a time more favorable to the founding of our Republic upon a rock, against which the storms of party strife may beat without avail, then than the present.  If now the great question of human slavery – which contains within it the seeds of dissolution, and with which incorporated in it no nation can long exist on earth – be settled – the very God of Heaven will smile upon us, and we shall become the most prosperous and powerful people on the face of the globe.  But if we throw aside our present advantages, disregard our present opportunities, and permit ourselves to be ruled by a parcel of demagogues, who will fasten this incubus upon us, we will have gained nothing by civil war, and still continue to live under a Government possessing the same element of discord that came so near effecting our ruin.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 22, 1862, p. 2

Simon Cameron to Richard Yates, Governor of Illinois, April 15, 1861

WASHINGTON, April 15, 1861.

His Excellency, Richard Yates:

Call made on you by to-night's mail for six regiments for immediate service.

SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.

SOURCE: T. M. Eddy, The Patriotism Of Illinois, Volume 1, p. 78

Proclamation of Richard Yates, Governor of Illinois, April 15, 1861

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 15, 1861.

I, Richard Yates, Governor of the State of Illinois, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution, hereby convene the Legislature of the State, and the members of the twenty-second session of the General Assembly are hereby required to be and appear in their respective places, at the Capitol, on TUESDAY, the twenty-third day of April, A. D. 1861, for the purpose of enacting such laws and adopting such measures as may be deemed necessary, upon the following subjects: The more perfect organization and equipment of the militia of the State, and placing the same upon the best footing to render assistance to the General Government in preserving the Union, enforcing the laws and protecting the property and rights of the people; also, the raising of such money and other means as may be required to carry out the foregoing object; and also to provide for the expenses of such session.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed at the City of Springfield, the 15th day of April, A, D. 1861.

RICHARD YATES.

By order of the Governor:

O. M. HATCH, Secretary of State.

SOURCE: T. M. Eddy, The Patriotism Of Illinois, Volume 1, p. 78-9

Major General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, June 8, 1863

June 8, 1863.

I think for the present the storm has blown over. Both Lee and Hooker appear to be playing at cross-purposes. Hooker took it into his head that Lee was moving and made preparations accordingly. These preparations were construed by Lee into a movement on our part, etc. Sedgwick is still, I understand, across, below Fredericksburg, but is unmolested by the enemy. Pleasanton, with a large force of cavalry, will cross above to-day, and push his way towards Culpeper and Gordonsville, to see what they are doing in that direction.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 383

Proclamation of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Governor of Iowa, April 17, 1861

PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, The President of the United States has made a requisition on the Executive of the State of Iowa for one regiment of militia, to aid the Federal Government in enforcing its laws and suppressing rebellion. Now therefore I, Samuel J. Kirkwood, Governor of the State of Iowa, do issue this proclamation and hereby call upon the militia of this State immediately to form, in the different counties volunteer companies, with the view of entering the active military service of the United States for the purpose aforesaid. The regiment at present required will consist of ten companies of at least seventy-eight men each, one captain and two lieutenants to be elected by each company.

Under the present requisition only one regiment can be accepted, and the companies accepted must hold themselves in readiness for duty by the 20th of May next at farthest. If a sufficient number of companies are tendered, their service maybe required. If more companies are formed and reported than can be received under the present call, their services will be required in the event of another requisition upon this State. The nation is in peril. A fearful attempt is being made to overthrow the Constitution and dissolve the Union. The aid of every loyal citizen is invoked to sustain the General Government.

For the honor of our State let the requirement of the President be cheerfully and promptly met.

SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD

Iowa City, April 17, A. D. 1861.

SOURCE: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, p. 114

Francis M. Harmon, Private, Co. F, 15th Iowa Infantry

Shiloh National Cemetery

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, July 26, 1863

We were relieved by an Iowa brigade from Sherman's army, which just arrived, but we remained in bivouac all day, awaiting orders. One of General Sherman's foraging trains came in; they are going to forage for oats. News came that there was fighting going on at Charleston, South Carolina. It was quite hot this morning, and in the afternoon we had a hard rainstorm. A great many of the boys in camp here are sick with the chills, while others are almost worn out by the hard service.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 131

57th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Camp Vance, Findlay, Ohio, September 16, 1861. Moved to Camp Chase, Ohio, January 22, 1862. Ordered to Paducah, Ky., February 18. Attached to District of Paducah, Ky., to March, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 5th Division, Army of the Tennessee, to May. 1862. 1st Brigade, 5th Division, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1862. 1st Brigade, 5th Division, District of Memphis, Tenn., to November, 1862. 4th Brigade, 5th Division, Right Wing 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, to November, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, District of Memphis, 13th Army Corps, to December, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Sherman's Yazoo Expedition, to January, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 15th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, to September, 1863. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 15th Army Corps, to July, 1865. Dept. of Arkansas to August, 1865.

SERVICE. – Duty at Paducah, Ky., till March 6, 1862. Moved to Savannah, Tenn., March 6-10. Expedition to Yellow Creek and occupation of Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., March 14-17. Expedition to Eastport, Miss., and Chickasaw, Ala., April 1-2. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7. Corinth Road April 8. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Russell House, near Corinth, May 17. March to Memphis, Tenn., via La-Grange, Grand Junction and Holly Springs June 1-July 18. Rising Sun, Tenn., June 30. Duty at Memphis till November. Expedition from Memphis to Coldwater and Herando, Miss., September 8-13. Skirmish at Wolf Creek Bridge September 23. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign. "Tallahatchie March" November 26-December 13. Sherman's Yazoo Expedition December 20, 1862, to January 3, 1863. Chickasaw Bayou December 26-28, 1862. Chickasaw Bluff December 29. Expedition to Arkansas Post, Ark., January 3-10, 1863. Assault and capture of Fort Hindman, Arkansas Post, January 10-11. Expedition to South Bend, Arkansas River, January 14-15. Moved to Young's Point, La., January 17-21, and duty there till March. Expedition to Rolling Fork, Miss., via Muddy, Steele's and Black Bayous and Deer Creek March 14-27. Demonstration on Haines and Drumgould's Bluffs April 29-May 2. Movement to join army in rear of Vicksburg, Miss., via Richmond and Grand Gulf May 2-14. Battle of Champion's Hill May 16. Siege of Vicksburg May 18-July 4. Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22. Advance on Jackson, Miss., July 4-10. Siege of Jackson July 10-17. Duty at Big Black till September 27. Moved to Memphis, thence march to Chattanooga, Tenn., September 27-November 20. Operations on Memphis & Chattanooga Railroad in Alabama October 20-29. Bear Creek, Tuscumbia, October 27. Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign November 23-27. Tunnel Hill November 23-25. Foot of Missionary Ridge November 24. Mission Ridge November 25. Pursuit to Graysville November 26-27. March to relief of Knoxville, Tenn., November 28-December 8. Reenlisted January 1, 1864. Veterans on furlough February-March. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1-September 8. Demonstrations on Resaca May 8-13. 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 5. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Chattahoochie River July 6-17. Battle of Atlanta July 22. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Ezra Chapel, Hood's 2nd Sortie, July 28. 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. Clinton November 21-23. Ball's Ferry and Georgia Central Railroad Bridge November 23-25. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Fort McAllister December 13. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Salkehatchie Swamps, S.C., February 2-5. Holman's Bridge, South Edisto River, February 9. North Edisto River February 12-13. Columbia February 16-17. Battle of Bentonville, N. C., March 20-21. 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 30. Grand Review May 24. Moved to Louisville, Ky., June 2; thence to Little Rock, Ark., and duty there till August. Mustered out August 14, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 4 Officers and 77 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 4 Officers and 234 Enlisted men by disease. Total 319.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1523-4

Major General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, June 6, 1863

CAMP ABOVE FALMOUTH, June 6, 1863.

My last letter told you that my corps had been moved up the river, charged with the duty of guarding the several crossing places, and preventing, if possible, the passage of the river by the enemy. General Hooker had received intelligence which induced him to believe Lee was about attempting a manoeuvre similar to the one we tried last month. I have consequently been actively employed riding about, superintending the posting of troops, giving instructions, etc. As yet everything has been very quiet on our part of the line. To-day, however, Hooker had reason to believe most of the enemy had left his immediate front on the heights back of Fredericksburg. He accordingly undertook to throw a bridge across, where Franklin crossed last December. About five o'clock yesterday evening we heard heavy firing, which lasted nearly two hours, which, I understand, was our batteries, endeavoring to drive the enemy from the rifle-pits they had dug to oppose the construction of the bridge. I do not know whether we succeeded or not, as, being some miles away, I have no means of ascertaining. It has been my opinion for some time that Lee would assume the offensive so soon as he was reinforced sufficiently to justify him in doing so; but whether he has yet commenced is, I think, not positively settled. Nor have I quite made up my mind what he will do when he moves. I should think it would be policy on his part to endeavor to overcome this army before he undertakes any invasion of the North. His experience of last summer should teach him the danger of leaving an army on his flank and rear, and if he can once destroy or cripple this army, he will have no opposition to his progress of invasion. It is this reasoning which makes me wonder at the supineness and apathy of the Government and people, leaving this army reduced as it has been by casualties of battle and expiration of service, and apparently making no effort to reinforce it.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 382-3

Frank Blais, Private, Co. C, 11th Iowa Infantry

Shiloh National Cemetery

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, July 25, 1863

Our brigade returned to the bridge and went into camp, with Colonel Chambers in command of the entire post. Our army field hospital is located here and the convalescents are being cared for in it. Refugees by the thousands are at this place and are still pouring in by the hundreds from every direction, ahead of Sherman's returning army. It is a wonderful sight to see; they are of all colors and ages, though mostly women and children. I bought a gold pen today from the sutler for $2.00, and had the misfortune to lose it before night.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 131

56th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Camp Morrow, Portsmouth, Ohio, and mustered in December 12, 1861. Moved to Paducah, Ky., thence to Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 12-15, 1862. Fort Donelson February 15-16. Attached to 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1862. Helena, Ark., District of Eastern Arkansas, to November, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 12th Division, District of Eastern Arkansas, Dept. of the Tennessee, to January, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 12th Division, 13th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 13th Army Corps, Dept. of the Tennessee, to August, 1863, and Dept. of the Gulf, to June, 1864. Defences of New Orleans, La., Dept. of the Gulf, to April, 1866.

SERVICE. – Expedition toward Purdy and operations about Crump's Landing March 9-14, 1862. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. March to Memphis, Tenn., June 1-13, and duty there till July 24. Germantown and Lafayette Station June 25. Ordered to Helena, Ark., June 24, and duty there till April, 1863. Gorman's Expedition from Helena to Eunice August 28-September 5, 1862. Expedition against Arkansas Post November 16-21. Ordered to Milliken's Bend, La., April 11, 1863. Movement on Bruinsburg and turning Grand Gulf April 25-30. Battle of Port Gibson May 1. Fourteen-Mile Creek May 12. Battle of Champion's Hill May 16. Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., May 18-July 4. Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22. Advance on Jackson, Miss., July 4-10. Siege of Jackson July 10-17. Ordered to New Orleans, La., August 13. Duty there till September 13, and at Berwick Bay till October. Western Louisiana ("Teche") Campaign October 3-November 30. Grand Coteau November 3. At New Iberia till December 17. Moved to New Orleans December 17, thence to Madisonville January 22, 1864, and duty there till March 1. Moved to New Orleans March 1. Red River Campaign March 10-May 5. Advance from Franklin to Alexandria March 14-26. Battle of Sabine Cross Roads April 8. Pleasant Hill April 9. Monett's Ferry, Cane River, April 23. At Alexandria April 26-May 4. Davidson's Ferry, Red River, May 4-5. Natchitoches May 5. Dunn's Bayou, destruction of Transport "Warner," May 5. Veterans absent on furlough May to July. Return to New Orleans, La., and duty in the Defences of that city till April, 1866. Expedition from New Orleans to Mandeville January 15-17, 1865 (Detachment). Non-Veterans mustered out November, 1864. Regiment mustered out April 25, 1866.

Regiment lost during service 3 Officers and 55 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 156 Enlisted men by disease. Total 216.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1523

Colonel Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, October 16, 1862

CAMP ON HERNANDO ROAD, NEAR MEMPHIS,

Oct. 16, 1862.

MY DEAR WIFE:

A stupid publication in the Commercial of the 13th inst. causes me anxiety lest you should be made to suffer in the belief that I am the interesting individual referred to. For good or for evil the newspapers are bound to misspell my name, to destroy my identity, to take away, as far as possible, my individuality, and now they propose to publish me wounded. I think, however, your good sense will enable you to locate me right. The number of my regiment, my brigade and division under General Sherman will enable my family to place me. There is no telegraph from this point or I would telegraph you. I have just returned from a reconnoissance into Mississippi. We met no enemy and had not even a skirmish. I commanded the expedition. Temporarily my command is somewhat more independent than it was and I have had artillery assigned to my command in connection with my regiment. My duties are very active. The weather is cooler, and my health improving. If we should have frost it would be everything to me.

They had a big fight at Corinth. Many of my personal friends have gone under, among them Jim Jackson, formerly member of Congress from Kentucky. I knew him intimately in Washington and renewed my acquaintance with him before Corinth in the field. His was a gallant, noble spirit. God! how many of them are gone, to “barter breath for fame.” That was a bloody, bloody fight while it lasted; I mean the dash on Corinth. Rosecrans has immortalized himself. He's a splendid soldier. I can't tell what our movements will be; Sherman knows as little of them as any one; coming events will determine. I do not think we shall be marched from this point for some weeks, unless upon expeditions to return.

I am writing as usual hastily, to save the mail; the fact is, I eat, drink, sleep, walk, ride, talk, write in a hurry. I am hurrying through life; as poor father used to say, “I was born in a hurry and shall die in a hurry.” Time never sped so fast with me.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 244-5

Major General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, June 3, 1863

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, Va., June 3, 1863.

George made his appearance this morning; he seems quite delighted with the change in his position, and particularly tickled at being made a captain. Lieutenant Colonel Webb (son of James Watson Webb), who is on my staff, has just returned from a short leave in New York. He says every one in New York is talking of the fight at Chancellorsville, and is well posted up in all its details.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 382

General John Bell Hood to General Braxton Bragg, September 3, 1864 – 1:45 p.m.

LOVEJOY'S STATION, GA., September 3, 1864 – 1.45 p.m.

General BRAXTON BRAGG,

Richmond, Va.:

For the offensive, my troops at present are not more than equal to their own numbers. To prevent this country from being overrun re-enforcements are absolutely necessary.

J. B. HOOD.

SOURCES: John Bell Hood, Advance and Retreat, p. 245; The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 38, Part 5 (Serial No. 76), p. 1016

General Robert E. Lee to Lieutenant General James Longstreet, February 25, 1865

HEAD-QUARTERS, February 25, 1865.

GENERAL, — I have received your letters of the 23d and 24th insts. I fear I did not entirely comprehend your views expressed in your letter of the 14th. I think, however, my reply meets your supposition, in the event of concentration by the enemy. I shall in that case unite all the forces possible. I think you are misinformed as to the number of men in Lynchburg. At my last call upon General Colston, commissary there, he said he had not one hundred men, and they were unarmed. I am very glad to hear that General Ewell can get force enough from Richmond to man the lines north of James River. I know him to be a brave old soldier, ready to attempt anything, but I do not know where he will find the men. Please see him and get a definite statement, for if that can be done it will lighten our labor considerably. You cannot afford to keep your wagons by you. They will have to be kept collecting provisions, forage, etc., or you will starve. I am making great efforts to gather supplies, and send you some documents which will show what the commissary-general is doing in addition to the operations of the officers of his department. It will be a grievous thing to be obliged to abandon our position, and I hope the necessity will never arise, but it would be more grievous to lose our army. I am fully alive to the benefits of procuring gold, but fear it cannot be obtained in the way you suggest; still, I will try. I am much gratified by the earnestness and zeal you display in our operations; and were our whole population animated by the same spirit, we should be invincible. The last reports from S. C. indicated that Sherman was turning eastward. It may be to reach the Pedee in search of supplies.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

GENERAL LONGSTREET,

Commanding, etc.

SOURCE:  James Longstreet, From Manassas to Appomattox, p. 645-6

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, July 24, 1863

We remained here in bivouac all day. Orders came for our brigade to return to Black river bridge and remain there until relieved by General Sherman. The cars are coming through now from Vicksburg twice a day. We are very anxious for mail, having had none for many days, and are disappointed in not receiving any today. We put in our time today cleaning clothes.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 131