Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: August 27, 1861

We have news of a fight at Hawk's Nest, Western Virginia. Wise whipped the Yankees there quite handsomely.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 75

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: August 28, 1861

Beauregard offers battle again on the plains of Manassas; but it is declined by the enemy, who retire behind their fortifications. Our banners are advanced to Munson's Hill, in sight of Washington. The Northern President and his cabinet may see our army, with good glasses, from the roof of the White House. It is said they sleep in their boots; and that some of them leave the city every night, for fear of being captured before morning.

Generals Johnston, Wise, and Floyd are sending here, daily, the Union traitors they discover to be in communication with the enemy. We have a Yankee member of Congress, Ely, taken at Manassas; he rode out to witness the sport of killing rebels as terriers kill rats, but was caught in the trap himself. He says his people were badly whipped; and he hopes they will give up the job of subjugation as a speculation that won't pay. Most of the prisoners speak thus while in confinement.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 75-6

Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: August 8, 1862

Mr. Daniel Blake drove down to my sister's in his heavy, substantial English phaeton, with stout and strong horses to match. I went back with him and spent two delightful days at his hospitable mansion. I met there, as a sort of chaplain, the Rev. Mr. –––. He dealt unfairly by me. We had a long argument, and when we knelt down for evening prayers, he introduced an extemporaneous prayer and prayed for me most palpably. There was I down on my knees, red-hot with rage and fury. David W. said it was a clear case of hitting a fellow when he was down. Afterward the fun of it all struck me, and I found it difficult to keep from shaking with laughter. It was not an edifying religious exercise, to say the least, as far as I was concerned.

Before Chancellorsville, was fatal Sharpsburg.¹ My friend, Colonel Means, killed on the battle-field; his only son, Stark, wounded and a prisoner. His wife had not recovered from the death of her other child, Emma, who had died of consumption early in the war. She was lying on a bed when they told her of her husband's death, and then they tried to keep Stark's condition from her. They think now that she misunderstood and believed him dead, too. She threw something over her face. She did not utter one word. She remained quiet so long, some one removed the light shawl which she had thrown over her head and found she was dead. Miss Mary Stark, her sister, said afterward, “No wonder! How was she to face life without her husband and children? That was all she had ever lived for.” These are sad, unfortunate memories. Let us run away from them.

What has not my husband been doing this year, 1862, when all our South Carolina troops are in Virginia? Here we were without soldiers or arms. He raised an army, so to speak, and imported arms, through the Trenholm firm. He had arms to sell to the Confederacy. He laid the foundation of a niter-bed; and the Confederacy sent to Columbia to learn of Professor Le Conte how to begin theirs. He bought up all the old arms and had them altered and repaired. He built ships. He imported clothes and shoes for our soldiers, for which things they had long stood sorely in need. He imported cotton cards and set all idle hands carding and weaving. All the world was set to spinning cotton. He tried to stop the sale of whisky, and alas, he called for reserves — that is, men over age, and he committed the unforgivable offense of sending the sacred negro property to work on fortifications away from their owners' plantations.

_______________

¹ During the summer of 1862, after the battle of Malvern Hill and before Sharpsburg, or Antietam, the following important battles had taken place: Harrison's Landing, July 3d and 4th; Harrison's Landing again, July 31st; Cedar Mountain, August 9th; Bull Run (second battle), August 29th and 30th, and South Mountain, September 14th.

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 214-5

Diary of Mary Brockenbrough Newton: June 16, 1862

Yesterday we sent letters to the Court-House to be mailed, presuming, as we had not seen an enemy for twenty-four hours, that the coast would be clear for awhile; but Bartlett rode into a detachment of them in Taliaferro's Lane. The poor old man, in his anxiety to save his letters, betrayed himself by putting his hand on his pocket. They were, of course, taken from him. [The letters I mentioned as having been published in the New York papers.] They are heartily welcome to mine; I hope the perusal may do them good, but C. is annoyed. It was the first letter she had written to her husband since the depredations at W., and she had expressed herself very freely.

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 144

Diary of Margaret Junkin Preston: December 19, 1863

Busy all forenoon getting breakfasts for soldiers, and filling haversacks. Two young cousins of Mr. P. (Moncures) who have lived most of their lives in Paris, came, looking as rough and dirty as any of the soldiers we saw yesterday. They belong to Lee's cavalry, and had straggled behind. We fed them, mended them up, and they passed on refreshed. I asked one of them if he could realize that he used to promenade the “Boulevards,” and take his dinner at the “Palais Royal.” Their father is worth millions.  . . . Yet these young men were just as merry and contented as possible, though living a life infinitely harder than the worst worked slave. One of them had on coarse jeans trousers. The cadets are to go on to Buchanan tomorrow morning. The weather is bitterly cold, the roads very bad, and hard frozen. This day a twelvemonth poor Randolph was buried.

“Pain in the heart — pain in the head —

Grief for the living — grief for the dead!”

SOURCE: Elizabeth Preston Allan, The Life and Letters of Margaret Junkin Preston, p. 174

Diary of Corporal Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, July 23, 1864

All is quiet. No news from the front. A great many sick and wounded are coming in from the front. Deaths occur here at the hospital every day.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 206

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Wednesday, January 6, 1864

Chilly and cloudy but the weather is moderating very fast; got cheated out of my breakfast this morning on account of going on picket; formed line at 7.45 and so remained till nearly 10 a. m. when the officer of the day came and started us for the picket line; got on the wrong road and did not find the line until 3 p. m. It has been quite pleasant all day, but looks likely to storm before morning. No mail to-day.

SOURCE: Lemuel Abijah Abbott, Personal Recollections and Civil War Diary, 1864, p. 4

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: July 26, 1864

Called up early this morning. Wade the Potomac River over into Maryland. Marching on down the river road, across the Burnside Bridge, over Antietam Creek and the battlefield, passing the Dunker Church, located in the woods on the right. The rail fences were riddled with bullet holes, showing how fierce the battle must have been. Marched on through Sharpsburg, going into camp near the town, which shows the effects of the battle. The battle is known in the South as Sharpsburg. A fearful hot day, and a hard march. Our record for today is a march of about fifteen miles. Many of us fellows are marching shoeless.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 106

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: April 1, 1862

The “Long Roll” was sounded at the Ninth Wisconsin headquarters for an April Fool. Another dark rainy day. Read "Ivanhoe" and issued rations.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 10

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: April 2, 1862

Messenger came in and reported Indians coming north. A scouting party was sent out.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 10

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: April 3, 1862

Camp moved to better ground for defense.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 10

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: April 4, 1862

Moved camp again. Nothing of importance occurred. Many rumors afloat. Scouting parties still being sent out.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 10

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Sunday, April 6, 1862

Heard the minister make a few remarks from “Be ye not overcome of evil.” Letters from home and Fannie Andrews both.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 10

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: April 7, 1862

After work was done went to the river and washed. Had a good visit with Ed June.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 10

Colonel John Sedgwick to his Sister, July 23, 1861

Washington, D. C., July 23, 1861.

My dear sister:

Our army has suffered one of the most terrible defeats on record — one of the most disgraceful! We have lost everything, even our honour.

When I last wrote you the army had marched in high spirits, and every one predicted a prosperous result, and some little success was obtained; but a panic seized the volunteers, they threw away everything they had, and fled in terrible disorder. Whole regiments fled without giving a shot or getting near the enemy. Our artillery behaved bravely; they maintained their position till they lost so many men and horses that many were obliged to leave their guns. The loss of property was immense; it is hoped the loss of life not great, but no reports are made yet. We are disorganized, and if the enemy had not suffered severely, as we hope they have, they could have marched into Washington last night. I went to bed night before last believing that everything was going on well, and yesterday was ill in my room all day till three o'clock, when I learned of the terrible disaster. I have no heart to write more.

Your affectionate brother,

J. s.

SOURCE: George William Curtis, Correspondence of John Sedgwick, Major-General, Volume 2, p. 32-3

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Tuesday, January 5, 1864

It has been a beautiful day, but the wind is blowing very chilly to-night; drew clothing for the Company this afternoon; had a very good dress parade considering the quantity of snow and mud under foot. Our school met this evening but we didn't accomplish much. Capt. E. B. Frost, and Dr. W. A. Child and wife dined with us to-day; had a nice time. Herbert George, the band master, has been in this evening relating his experiences during his leave in Vermont. It almost makes me homesick: have got to go on picket early in the morning beyond Culpeper, Va.

SOURCE: Lemuel Abijah Abbott, Personal Recollections and Civil War Diary, 1864, p. 4

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: July 25, 1864

Bunker Hill. A very severe rain storm set in last night. We are wet through. Orders to march on to Martinsburg. My feet keep me reminded of the rough roads, stubs and briers in the lots. We reach Martinsburg after a march of ten miles. After holding the enemy in check for a while we are again on the march. I picked up a pair of old boots, no doubt discarded by some cavalryman. They were much too large for me, and not having stockings I could not wear them as they galled my feet, making them worse. Was obliged to throw them away.

After a very tedious march we reached Williamsport on the Potomac River, twenty miles from Bunker Hill. Will remain here for the night. Foot-sore, weary, glad to lie down for the night on the wet ground for rest and sleep. Often wonder how the men can keep so patient. Sometimes we are made to feel that much of our trouble is brought on to us by jealousy and mismanagement on the part of our officers high up in rank. Our boys are always ready for any kind of duty. We have made marches over this Williamsport Pike before. Like all the pikes it is hard marching over the rough stones, up and down hill. That's our experience.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 105-6

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: March 31, 1862

In the morning read in "Ivanhoe." Learned to play whist, pleasant game, but unprofitable as all cards are — will not allow myself to play. Rainy and cool.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 10

In the Review Queue: The Best Writings of Ulysses S. Grant

The Best Writings of Ulysses S. Grant

Edited by John F. Marszalek

Famous for his military acumen and for his part in saving the Union during the American Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant also remains known for his two-volume memoirs, considered among the greatest military Memoirs ever written. Grant’s other writings, however, have not received the same acclaim, even though they show the same literary skill. Originally published in the thirty-two volumes of The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, the letters and speeches are the major source of information about Grant’s life and era and have played a key role in elevating his reputation to that of the leading general of the Civil War and the first of the modern presidents. In this collection, editor John F. Marszalek presents excerpts from Grant’s  most insightful and skillfully composed writings and provides perspective through introductory comments tying each piece to the next. The result is a fascinating overview of Grant’s life and career.

In sixteen chronological chapters, selections from Grant’s letters and other writings reveal his personal thoughts on the major events of his momentous life, including the start of the Civil War, the capture of Vicksburg, Lincoln’s reelection, Lee’s surrender, his terms as president, the Panic of 1873, and his bouts of mouth and throat cancer. Throughout, Grant’s prose reveals clearly the power of his words and his ability to present them well. Although some historians have maligned his presidency as one of the most corrupt periods in American history, these writings reinforce Grant’s greatness as a general, demonstrate the importance of his presidency, and show him to be one of the driving forces of the nineteenth century.

With this compendium, Marszalek not only celebrates the literary talent of one of America’s greatest military figures but also vindicates an individual who, for so long, has been unfairly denigrated. A concise reference for students of American history and Civil War enthusiasts as well as a valuable introduction for those who are new to Grant’s writings, this volume provides intriguing insight into one of the nineteenth century’s most important Americans.

About the Author

John F. Marszalek is a Giles Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at Mississippi State University, the executive director of the Ulysses S. Grant Association's Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, Mississippi State University, and the editor of ThePapers of Ulysses S. Grant. He is the author or editor of sixteen books, including Sherman: A Soldier’s Passion for Order.

ISBN 978-0809334117, Southern Illinois University Press, © 2015, Hardcover, 232 pages, Photograph & Illustrations, Indexed. $32.95.  To purchase a copy of this book click HERE.

Colonel Charles Russell Lowell to Josephine Shaw, September 15, 1863

Willard's [washington], Sept. 15, 1863.

I have had a very pleasant hour with Governor Andrew. He talked about Rob and how very fond he had become of him. He said that, at the Williamstown Commencement Dinner, he mentioned him in his speech, and there was not a dry eye in the room. He said too that he meant to live long enough to help finish a monument at Charleston which should be connected in the Nation's heart with Colonel Shaw, as Bunker Hill is with Warren. His tender, affectionate way of saying "Colonel Shaw" touched me very much, — it made me feel like crying too. I wish we had a large-hearted man like Andrew for President. Andrew had been to see Mr. Lincoln to-day about the coloured regiment prisoners, and thinks the right thing will yet be done. I talked with Stanton about them, and find he feels exactly as we do; that we must stop all exchanging till all prisoners are placed on the same footing.

SOURCE: Edward Waldo Emerson, Life and Letters of Charles Russell Lowell, p. 304-5