Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Monday, January 18, 1864

It has rained hard all day, but is not very cold. The mud is very deep. It's rumored that Governor Smith and Mr. Baxter are to be here to-morrow; have been studying hard all day only when engaged in Company duty; cooler this evening; snows a little; pickets have just come in wet and tired. Lieut. E. P. Farr has not been in this evening to look up tactics.

SOURCE: Lemuel Abijah Abbott, Personal Recollections and Civil War Diary, 1864, p. 9

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Tuesday, January 19, 1864

The wind has been blowing furiously all day from the northwest; has rained very little; commencing to freeze this evening; have been looking over ordnance returns this afternoon; no time to study to-day. Lieut. Ezra Stetson is expected to-morrow, also Governor Smith, as he didn't come to-night. Lieut. D. G. Hill has been in this evening; wind blows a gale.

SOURCE: Lemuel Abijah Abbott, Personal Recollections and Civil War Diary, 1864, p. 9

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Wednesday, January 20, 1864

Quite a fine moon to-night — a little cloudy but no wind; froze quite hard last night; have had so much company all day it has been impossible to do anything but visit; band is serenading General W. H. Morris; are proud of our band, it being one of best regimental bands in the army. Lieut. Stetson has not come tonight; got no letter from home, but received a good one from Carl Wilson. To-night they have the Universalist festival at Barre, Vt.; would like to be there, but my festival will be with tactics.

SOURCE: Lemuel Abijah Abbott, Personal Recollections and Civil War Diary, 1864, p. 9-10

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: August 1, 1864

Cloudy, muggy morning. After a good night's rest, am feeling fine. Early on the march. After a march, about four miles, came to a halt on a road leading through woodland of very large trees. Later we camp in the woods, near the town of Wolfsville, Maryland. A report has reached us that the rebs have burned the town of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Reported the enemy may come through this section and we may get a crack at them. Infantry cannot pursue cavalry. Mounted men have a great advantage over us fellows on foot. Weather very fine, water very poor, and not very much of it. We appreciate good water, where we can have plenty of it.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 109

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: August 2, 1864

A fine morning. All is quiet in camp. Found a place where I could wash my clothes and dry them. Drew rations. Am feeling fine. A hot sun and dusty roads to march over, a fellow cannot keep very clean. Having a good rest in the good cool woods. We cannot help to wonder why we are in this section of the woods, unless the enemy are somewhere about here. Private soldiers are not supposed to know anything, but to obey orders.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 109

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: August 3, 1864

Called out very early this morning. Left camp and on the march at 3 A. M. Enjoying the march through this fine country. After a time we began to ascend the mountains. Said to be the South Mountains. A fine view of the surrounding country. Peaceful and quiet. The inhabitants along the line of march seem to be very friendly. Maryland has regiments on both sides, Union and Confederate. After marching along the top of the mountains for a few hours, we began to descend, coming out on the Frederick City Pike, which we had traveled before. Passed on through the city, out on the Monocacy Junction Pike, which we reached after a short march. Crossed the Monocacy River, going into camp near the river. Here we were surprised to see the 19th Corps, just arrived from New Orleans. In the corps was the 9th, 12th, 13th Connecticut Regiments. Pleased to meet the Connecticut boys. Our record for today's marching is estimated about twenty miles.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 109-10

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: August 4, 1864

Fine morning. Had an early swim in the good clean waters of the Monocacy River. Later hunted up some bait, sat under a large tree to try my luck at fishing. Always keep a hook and line by me. Had very good luck. Dressed the fish at the river, went back to the camp, cooked them, and shared the fish with the boys. Only trouble was, I did not have enough for all our company. A battle had been fought at this point a few weeks before, between the forces of General Lew Wallace and the Confederate leader Early. Additional rations were given to us, one potato, one onion, large size. A long time since we had vegetables. They were all right. We boiled and ate them.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 110

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: August 5, 1864

Early this morning had a good swim, after which I lay down under a large tree near the river. Had a good nap and rest. Then wrote a few letters. Very late in the afternoon orders came to fall in and form line. We marched into a large open field and formed three sides of a square, when orders came that a deserter from the 34th Ohio Regiment was to be executed at sunset. After waiting a while we heard the band playing a dirge. Soon the whole party came in sight, six armed men in front of the deserter and six in the rear. At his side walked a Chaplain. Behind all came an ambulance with a coffin. When all was ready the deserter sat on the coffin, blindfolded. Orders came to fire. I saw him fall over on the coffin. Don't wish to witness anything more like that. Besides being a deserter, it was reported that he was a spy, having enlisted in the rebel service. All I know about it is the talk about our camp and other regiments.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 110-1

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: April 25, 1862

Started south for Diamond Grove. Detachments kept leaving when we approached the grove, so as to surround and enter it from different directions. Nettleton and we of the noncommissioned staff took one course and scouted through the woods. None found any rebels. Went to the farm of a Mr. Holsell, a notorious rebel. Boys took everything takable from the house and premises. Abundance of apples and some ammunition. Encamped here for the night. One girl, good secesh, has brother in the rebel army.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 12

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Sunday, April 26, 1862

In the morning separated and went by companies. Nettleton and staff went with Co. “G” to “Turkey Creek,” stopped at nearly every house. Took what arms, horses and cattle we could find. The guides deceived several families making them think we were secesh to capture Carthage. All people here are rebels, loud in their praises of the rebel soldiery and in their imprecations against the Union boys. The girls sang the “Army Wagon.” Was much amused. Had a good visit with them — “Challes” by name, said I was the only gentleman in the lot — asked my name and said possibly they could some time do me some good. Our men brought into camp cattle and horses. Eight prisoners were brought in, including John Dale, State Senator from Jasper County. Lots of interesting incidents.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 12-3

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: April 27, 1862

At 7 A. M. marched to Carthage leaving Co. "G" to guard cattle. Arrested some men in town. Our boys occupied Court House. We (of the staff) set up in a boot and shoe store and boarded at Mr. Hueston's a little out of town — pleasant people. Issued rations to the boys.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 13

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: April 28, 1862

People began to come into town for their property. Six prisoners were released. Somebody shot at them. I am tired of this barbarous way of soldiering. Doubleday returned to Fort Scott with body guard.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 13

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: April 29, 1862

Baggage train and remainder of companies came in. Letter from Lucy Randall and several papers — rich treat. Wrote to Will Hudson.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 13

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: April 30, 1862

Received letters from Fannie and Uncle Albert. Answered Fannie's. Beautiful day. Arrested a suspicious looking fellow, acted like a spy. Told of the fight at Neosho and the Indian band on Cowskin Prairie.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 13

Stephen R. Mallory to James D. Bulloch, May 6, 1863

Confederate States of America,

Navy Department,

Richmond, May 6th, 1863.

Sir,—

Herewith you will receive copy of a Secret Act of Congress appropriating £2,000,000 for the construction of ironclad ships-of-war in Southern Europe, which Act was induced by the belief that we can have such vessels constructed and equipped in France and delivered to us upon the high seas or elsewhere. The President has selected you as the agent of the Government to accomplish the important object thus provided for by Congress. In view of the great improvements which theory and experiment have produced in the construction and equipment of armoured ships in France and England, as well as of your thorough knowledge of the subject and your means of observation, it is deemed expedient to leave to your judgment, untrammelled by instructions, the size and details of the vessels, subject to the consideration that in draft of water, speed and power, they must be able to enter and navigate the Mississippi river; that their first trial must be a long ocean voyage; that their antagonists carry 11-inch and 15-inch guns; and that they must be completed and delivered at the earliest day practicable.  . . . You will regard the £2,000,000 as the only fund for building, equipping, manning, providing, and furnishing the vessels for one year's service. Your immediate attention to this subject is important, and every effort must be made to have the ships completed at the earliest day practicable. To this end I suggest to you a conference with Mr. Slidell.

I am, etc.,

(Signed)

S. R. Mallory.

SOURCE: James D. Bulloch, The Secret Service of the Confederate States in Europe, Volume 2, p. 30-1

Colonel Charles Russell Lowell to Josephine Shaw Lowell, August 19, 1864 – 7 A. M.

NEAR BERRYVILLE, Aug. 19, 7 A. M.

We are falling back: we commenced the day after the day I wrote you. I had the right rear, with orders from Grant to drive in every horse, mule, ox, or cow, and burn all grain and forage, — a miserable duty which continued till Winchester. Just in front of Winchester (on the old ground where Shields and Banks and Milroy and Hunter had already been outwitted) Torbert made a stand with Wilson’s Division and my Brigade of cavalry and a small Brigade of infantry. He stood till nightfall, just long enough to lose nearly the whole of the Infantry Brigade and some of Wilson's Cavalry, -my men were only engaged in the very beginning, and were withdrawn as soon as Torbert discovered he had infantry in front of him. That was Wednesday, — the next day we held the Berryville Pike at the Opequan till Rhodes's Infantry drove us back, and now for two days we have been picketing about halfway between there and Berryville, expecting every minute to be driven back, – our infantry having moved back some twelve miles. Longstreet's Corps is in the valley, and Lee's Cavalry, and Sheridan feels too weak to fight them far from his base. If the rain does not raise the Potomac, I think they will be in Pennsylvania again within a fortnight. It has been raining for two days at intervals and still continues. I am writing in a fortunate snatch by the light of the Doctor's lantern, — as I have no blankets and we allow ourselves no great fire, the nights are a little “tedious,”— however I'm entirely well, and at this moment, not even homesick, — am too anxious about the Rebs, I suppose, to leave room even for that.¹

_______________

¹ In what was said above, Lowell probably did not mean to criticise General Torbert for his tenacity. Also, he had not yet found out General Sheridan's quality, who had fallen back to Halltown as the only good defensible position in the lower Valley against superior numbers. Early did not get into Maryland, though Sheridan told Grant he purposely left the door open for him, hoping to divide his forces, and thus defeat him.

SOURCE: Edward Waldo Emerson, Life and Letters of Charles Russell Lowell, p. 324-5, 458

Brigadier-General John Sedgwick to his Sister, June 10, 1862

Camp Fair Oaks, June 10, 1862.

My dear sister:

I have just received your letter of the 4th instant, enclosing one from Cousin John and your reply.

“The good that men do lives after them.” I have no liking to have my biography published at this time. I have already had several applications of the same kind. If you wish it, you may say I was born of poor but honest parents, went to West Point in 1833, was graduated in 1837, served two years in the Florida War and on the Northern frontier during the Canadian Rebellion, went to Mexico in May, 1846, was at Vera Cruz and all the battles in the valley, brevetted at Churubusco a Captain, a Major at Chapultepec, and was made Captain in December, 1848, and assigned to Duncan's battery, which I commanded till 1855, when I was made Major in one of the new regiments of cavalry, a Lieutenant-Colonel and Colonel in April, 1861, a Brigadier-General of Volunteers in August. I am now suffering in front of Richmond. This is what all my friends know and all that I care they should know. If they enquire further, I am afraid that they would find something that would not bear the light.

Reinforcements are coming on, but it takes a large number to make good our losses since leaving Washington — more losses by disease than in battle. Did you receive a letter from Captain W. D. giving a description of the battles?

Yours,

J. s.

SOURCE: George William Curtis, Correspondence of John Sedgwick, Major-General, Volume 2, p. 62-3

Diary of Lieutenant-Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: Saturday, December 21, 1861

A cold, bright winter day. Sent a dispatch home to Lucy. Paymaster here getting ready to pay our men. The James D. (Devereux) Bulloch* was a good friend of mine at Middletown, Connecticut, (Webb's school) in 1837-8 from Savannah, Georgia — a whole-hearted, generous fellow. A model sailor I would conjecture him to be. Rebel though he is, I guess him to be a fine fellow, a brave man, honorable and all that.

It is rumored that Great Britain will declare war on account of the seizure of Slidell and Mason. I think not. It will blow over. First bluster and high words, then correspondence and diplomacy, finally peace. But if not, if war, what then? First, it is to be a trying, a severe and dreadful trial of our stuff. We shall suffer, but we will stand it. All the Democratic element, now grumbling and discontented, must then rouse up to fight their ancient enemies the British. The South, too, will not thousands then be turned towards us by seeing their strange allies? If not, shall we not with one voice arm and emancipate the slaves? A civil, sectional, foreign, and servile war — shall we not have horrors enough? Well, I am ready for my share of it. We are in the right and must prevail.

Six companies paid today. Three months' pay due not paid. A “perfectly splendid” day — the seventeenth!!

_______________

* Pasted in the Diary is the following clipping from the Richmond News of November 30: — “Captain James D. Bulloch, who lately successfully ran the blockade while in command of the steamship Fingal, has arrived in Richmond. He thinks there is a likelihood of Lord Palmerston's proving indifferent to the question involved in the seizure, by Captain Wilkes, on the high seas, from a British vessel, of Messrs. Mason and Slidell.”

Captain James D. Bulloch was the “Naval Representative of the Confederate States in Europe” during the Civil War. It was under his direction and through his energy that the Alabama and other cruisers were built and equipped to prey on American commerce. In 1883 Captain Bulloch published in two volumes a most interesting narrative, entitled “The Secret Service of the Confederate States in Europe, or How the Confederate Cruisers Were Equipped.” It may also be recalled that Captain Bulloch was a brother of President Roosevelt's mother.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 164-5

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: October 1, 1861

I find that only a few hundred alien enemies departed from the country under the President's proclamation, allowing them forty days, from the 10th of August, to make their arrangements; but under the recent order of Mr. Benjamin, if I may judge from the daily applications, there will be a large emigration. The persons now going belong to a different class of people: half of them avowing themselves friendly to our cause, and desiring egress through our lines on the Potomac, or in the West, to avoid being published as alien enemies going under flag of truce via Norfolk find Fortress Monroe. Many of them declare a purpose to return.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 82-3

Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: December 21, 1863

Joe Johnston has been made Commander-in-chief of the Army of the West. General Lee had this done, `tis said. Miss Agnes Lee and "little Robert" (as they fondly call General Lee's youngest son in this hero-worshiping community) called. They told us the President, General Lee, and General Elzey had gone out to look at the fortifications around Richmond. My husband came home saying he had been with them, and lent General Lee his gray horse.

 Mrs. Howell, Mrs. Davis's mother, says a year ago on the cars a man said, “We want a Dictator.” She replied, “Jeff Davis will never consent to be a Dictator.” The man turned sharply toward her “And, pray, who asks him? Joe Johnston will be made Dictator by the Army of the West.” “Imperator” was suggested. Of late the Army of the West has not been in a condition to dictate to friend or foe. Certainly Jeff Davis did hate to put Joe Johnston at the head of what is left of it. Detached from General Lee, what a horrible failure is Longstreet! Oh, for a day of Albert Sidney Johnston out West! And Stonewall, could he come back to us here!

General Hood, the wounded knight, came for me to drive. I felt that I would soon find myself chaperoning some girls, but I asked no questions. He improved the time between Franklin and Cary Streets by saying, “I do like your husband so much.” “So do I,” I replied simply.

Buck was ill in bed, so William said at the door, but she recovered her health and came down for the drive in black velvet and ermine, looking queenly. And then, with the top of the landau thrown back, wrapped in furs and rugs, we had a long drive that bitter cold day.

One day as we were hieing us home from the Fair Grounds, Sam, the wounded knight, asked Brewster what are the symptoms of a man's being in love. Sam (Hood is called Sam entirely, but why I do not know) said for his part he did not know; at seventeen he had fancied himself in love, but that was “a long time ago.” Brewster spoke on the symptoms of love: “When you see her, your breath is apt to come short. If it amounts to mild strangulation, you have got it bad. You are stupidly jealous, glowering with jealousy, and have a gloomy fixed conviction that she likes every fool you meet better than she does you, especially people that you know she has a thorough contempt for; that is, you knew it before you lost your head, I mean, before you fell in love. The last stages of unmitigated spooniness, I will spare you,” said Brewster, with a giggle and a wave of the hand. “Well,” said Sam, drawing a breath of relief, “I have felt none of these things so far, and yet they say I am engaged to four young ladies, a liberal allowance, you will admit, for a man who can not walk without help.”

Another day (the Sabbath) we called on our way from church to see Mrs. Wigfall. She was ill, but Mr. Wigfall insisted upon taking me into the drawing-room to rest a while. He said Louly was there; so she was, and so was Sam Hood, the wounded knight, stretched at full length on a sofa and a rug thrown over him. Louis Wigfall said to me: “Do you know General Hood?” “Yes,” said I, and the General laughed with his eyes as I looked at him; but he did not say a word. I felt it a curious commentary upon the reports he had spoken of the day before. Louly Wigfall is a very handsome girl.

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 265-6