Saturday, June 7, 2025

Diary of Corporal John Worrell Northrop: Wednesday, June 29, 1864

More brutality and robbery. Half asleep I heard blows, groans of distress, and voices that combine the savage tones of ruffianism. One man badly injured; two reported missing. Steps are taken to organize a police force. We are doing the little we can to assist. The safety of the camp requires it; our lives are every day in jeopardy. We are in greater immediate peril from these villains than from the atrocities of our keepers. At 3 p. m. a man was violently assailed in the street, while asleep, and robbed, he said, of $85 and a watch. He had arrived that day among others of Sherman's soldiers. With blood streaming down his face from a gash on his forehead, I saw him hasten to the gate where he reported the affair. A number went forward, among them several sergeants of detachments, and an earnest, but respectful appeal was made for assistance, or that we might be allowed to protect ourselves, or for some encouragement that the matter should have a hearing. Meantime the robbers, not intimidated, thinking that our appeal would avail nothing, gave out certain threats, and three of them visited the tent of an elderly man whom they knew to have money, and presenting knives, demanded it without one word, or they would kill him on the spot. The man handed out a portion, less than the amount, (about $40); but they were not permitted to prolong their visit. About 5 p. m. an order came from Capt Wirz that if we wished to take them outside, he would furnish a guard, we to point them out, and he would "clear the stockade." Exciting scenes followed. Shouts went up from thousands; the whole camp swarmed like a bee-hive. The gates open. Sergeants with revolvers, guards with bayonets fixed, enter, and Rebel and Union soldiers walk side by side in a good work. Our boys lead the way to the den of thieves, murderers and traitors, point them out, and put them under their charge as fast as found. Outside the gate was another strong guard who received them and they returned for more. There was a rush in every part of the camp, the raiders trying to skulk, the boys hunting them. Toward night the leaders began to resist, but under the clubs of our police they quailed. Near us one of the leaders, a strong man, was overtaken, but swore he would never be taken alive. He fought desperately, but one of our men struck him with a stake, knocking him senseless. One or two others were badly hurt. We saw Sullivan marching under three bayonets, and as he turned his eyes towards us, so full of guilt, we almost pitied him. Still we rejoiced; our only fear was he and some of his troop would be turned in again. At dark the work ceased; nearly sixty had been taken out, and a few, no doubt led astray, sent in. The boys shouted, "Bully for the Captain," for the men who took the initiatory step, and for the guard. With the work of catching' raiders began a search for money and lost property. In one place two stockings filled with greenbacks, another with watches (two gold), and other things were found buried, preparatory to being sold to the Rebels. Two men were found buried near the southwest corner. One had his throat cut, the other had the appearance of having been beaten and strangled. Bones of others were reported found.

The real organizer of this body, known as regulators, that led in apprehending the raiders, is Sergeant Leroy L. Key, of an Illinois regiment, evidently a good, brave, astute man, very choice in choosing his adherents. The organization was made up of western men, from Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Ohio; comparatively few from each of these states. He seemed to have some distrust of laying his plans before eastern men generally, but with no valid reason other than that precaution was necessary until these organized, savage gangs could be suppressed. We New Yorkers felt galled, at first, by this manifest distrust on the part of some western brothers who seemed to desire credit for the move. The fact that the chiefs were from eastern regiments, had its effect. We thought best to watch and wait and aid when needed, realizing the necessity of curbing the outrages of this murderous bandit, and hailed the movement with joy, perfectly willing they should have the credit if they succeeded. Sergeant Keys had an instinct for choosing his men and, though a self constituted leader, none better could have been chosen for the terrible and unique duty imposed, which is not a task ordinary men have an ambition, for; for it was known from the start, by intelligent men, that extraordinary means would be necessary to put an end to the leaders, even if death were required. Hence the admiration of all lovers of men in the prison, is accorded Sergeant Keys and his efficient aids.

SOURCE: John Worrell Northrop, Chronicles from the Diary of a War Prisoner in Andersonville and Other Military Prisons of the South in 1864, p. 80-1

Diary of Corporal John Worrell Northrop: Thursday, June 30, 1864

Men lay down last night feeling more secure of their lives. Hunting for raiders continued, this time without assistance from Rebel guards, except a lieutenant and guard at the gate. The formidable resistance of yesterday was not repeated; the combined efforts of the raiders having so signally failed yesterday. Our men are armed with clubs; when one is found he is hustled to the gates, often with a kick or a punch in the back, amid the sneering and shouting from lookers on, and goes sneaking out. Lieutenant Davis gave me permission to go out with witnesses to take evidence when the trial proceeds, which is to be conducted by thirteen men recently in from the western army, as it is the design of Sergeant Keys that the hearing shall be before intelligent and impartial men, with a view of giving them a fair trial; but feeling so badly, having been sick several days, I was obliged to return, Baldwin of my regiment goes out against Sullivan. The greater part of those taken out are returned on promises of good behavior and on the plea that they have been decoyed. Some of these Keys had strong evidence against but the place where they were kept, just outside of the gate, was overcrowded and Wirz insisted upon them being returned. A few were sentenced to wear a ball and chain. The abuse inflicted on those turned in, by the crowd, as they were forced to run the gauntlet, is almost cruel, two lines being formed from the dead line towards the center of the prison through which they are forced to pass. Many were severely pounded and one, a sailor, was struck by a fellow who had just come in from outside, with a rail, knocking him down, and he died from the effects of this and other blows.

SOURCE: John Worrell Northrop, Chronicles from the Diary of a War Prisoner in Andersonville and Other Military Prisons of the South in 1864, p. 81-2

Friday, June 6, 2025

Senator John C. Calhoun to Thomas G. Clemson, February 4, 1848

Washington 4th Feb: 1848

MY DEAR SIR, . . . My speech1 has had a very wide circulation and the impression is, that it has made a deeper impression than any I ever delivered. It brought to the surface the strong feeling, which had been working below in favour of the conquest and holding as a Province, or annexing all Mexico; and which I can hardly doubt, if not intended, was looked to by the administration, as not an undesirable result. It has done more. It has turned the tide and brought the Union to a disavowal; but, I fear, that things have gone so far, that it will be found difficult to avoid a result so disastrous, as it would prove, should it occur. It seems, at least, pretty certain, if I had not promptly made the movement, and taken the stand I did, such would have been the result of the War. Strange as it may seem, neither side had the least conception, that there was any danger of it, when I introduced my resolutions. Both were disposed to regard this, as a mere abstraction and an unnecessary precaution, but now all take a different view.

The effect has been, to give a new direction to the debate on the supplies of both men and money; and one, on the part of the opposition, far more effecient. It is making on their side far deeper impression on the country, so much so, that nothing short of a treaty, or adopting the plan I suggested, can save the administration, if even that now can. The indication at present is, a disposition on their part to adopt the policy of a defensive line. If nothing else, the financial difficulties will compel them to treat, or fall back.

The Presidential question is of course a leading topick. Clay's friends have made great efforts to bring him forward, but, it is said, in quarters which ought to know, without success. My impression still remains, that Taylor will be the Whig, or rather the popular candidate, against what may be called the Administration Candidate. Who that will be is doubtful. At present the prospect of Cass would seem to be the most promising.
_______________

1 See the preceding letter, and Works, IV, 396–424.

SOURCE: J. Franklin Jameson, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1899, Volume II, Calhoun’s Correspondence: Fourth Annual Report of the Historical Manuscripts Commission, Correspondence of John C. Calhoun, p. 742-3

Senator John C. Calhoun to Anna Calhoun Clemson, February 20, 1848

Washington 20th Feb: 1848

MY DEAR DAUGHTER, . . . As to politicks, things are very much as they were, when I last wrote Mr Clemson. We have constant rumours of peace, but I can see no certain prospect of getting it. The policy I recommended in my speech is gaining friends; and I am of the impression, if peace is not made in a reasonable time, there will be a majority for it in both Houses and the Union.

The Presidential election is the constant topick of agitation and conversation; but is involved in perfect uncertainty. The whigs are divided between Clay and Taylor; the latter I think will prove the stronger. The democrats are still more divided, as to the individual to be selected. But these are not the only devisions. There are others in reference to measures, which pervade both, and the two combined leave everything uncertain.

I keep aloof, standing independently on my own ground, seeking nothing either from the Government or the people. I would not change my position for that of any other. . . .

SOURCE: J. Franklin Jameson, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1899, Volume II, Calhoun’s Correspondence: Fourth Annual Report of the Historical Manuscripts Commission, Correspondence of John C. Calhoun, p. 743-4

Senator John C. Calhoun to Andrew Pickens Calhoun, February 23, 1848

Senate Chamber 23d Feb. 1848

MY DEAR ANDREW, The treaty with Mexico has just been laid before the Senate, and read. It will be warmly opposed, but I think it will be approved by the body. It will be a fortunate deliverance, if it should be. A sudden impulse in that case, would be given to commerce, accompanied by a rise of price in our great staple so soon as it is known in England.

The Slave question will soon come up, and be the subject of deep agitation. The South will be in the crisis of its fate. If it yields now, all will be lost.

I enclose a speech by Mr Yulee on his amendment to Mr Dickenson resolutions. They express substantially my views. Indeed, (in confidence), he is one of the members of our mess and has conversed with me freely on the principles, which control the question involved; but the execution is all his own. Love to all.

SOURCE: J. Franklin Jameson, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1899, Volume II, Calhoun’s Correspondence: Fourth Annual Report of the Historical Manuscripts Commission, Correspondence of John C. Calhoun, p. 744

The Choice Of Illinois.

No one who as watched the political currents in Illinois this year can doubt that ABRAHAM LINCOLN is emphatically the choice of the State for President. No one who attended the Decatur Convention can doubt that the people, in presenting his name, did so with the intent of giving him their utmost strength in the Chicago Convention. The exigencies of our position are such that we have no choice but to adhere to Mr. LINCOLN in the Chicago Convention so long as adherence shall be of service to him, or give promise of the great and efficient aid which his name would bring to the task before us. We are speaking as citizens of Illinois, who have in hand the business not only of giving the electoral vote vote [sic] of the state to the Republican cause but of preserving a seat in the Senate for LYMAN TRUMBULL and securing a re-apportionment in Congressional and Legislative districts, upon which hangs our political future during the next ten years. We have no right,—we claim none—to insist that New England and New York shall sacrifice their preferences to help us out of the ditch, but it must be apparent to every one that Illinois has more at stake than they in the approaching contest. Constables are worth more than Presidents in the long run, as a means of holding political power. The legislature is of vastly more consequence to particular States than their delegations in Congress. We look to Mr. LINCOLN to tow constables and General Assembly into power, and place us where we can be generous—where we can hold our electoral vote as securely as Maine, Michigan, or Wisconsin, and where we can promise it to whomsoever may hereafter bear the Republican standard before the nation. The gods help those who help themselves. Illinois is bound by all considerations of self defence to labor for the man who can bring her to the land of promise, and so she will be found laboring in the Chicago Convention. What we claim for ourselves we freely concede to others, and when the battle is set we go into the campaign without reservations, to do our best for the common cause.

Two years ago Mr. LINCOLN received 125,275 votes from the people, against 121,190 for Mr. DOUGLAS, and 4,683 for the Administration. These figures show to our friends from distant States the delicate, yet hopeful ground on which we stand. They will see how close was our battle with our best ban; they will be prepared to forgive us for seeking safety where we know it to be found, and for holding fast to that which is good. If other States shall come to our assistance, recognizing in Mr. LINCOLN the peer of any of the Republican captauis [sic] now prominent before the country, whether as regards ability or devotion to the principles which the Chicago Convention is to maintain, we shall be devoutly thankful. Yet we have no claim which may not be asserted by many others. The Party has claims on all its members—they have none on the party. Illinois has declared unanimously by her preference for the Presidency, and she will urge with respectful firmness, before various delegations, the difficulties which constrain her to adhere to the man of her choice.

SOURCE: “The Choice Of Illinois,” The Press and Tribune, Chicago, Illinois, Monday, May 14, 1860, p. 2, col. 2

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson: Sunday, November 16, 1862

Dress parade. I made form for morning report of cavalry. Copied two orders.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 8

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson: Monday, November 17, 1862

I commenced several letters to different ones. Our company, G, 8th Infantry, was mustered in.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 8

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson: Tuesday, November 18, 1862

I wrote to Rev. Loomis. Lieut. Col. Peteler and Captain Smith arrived.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 8

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson: Wednesday, November 19, 1862

We were paid off, $57.75. Guard reduced to three posts. N. F. Randolph paid me $40, making us square. I wrote some in Q. M. department. Commenced to pallisade. Received $25 bounty and $2 premium.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 8

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson: Thursday, November 20, 1862

I sent $40 to Moses, $5 to Letitia, $9 to Sallie, $11 to Loomis, making me out of debt. Sent $5 to Lewis Hurley, and the same to Lewis Updike, my namesake, to be used toward their education. Paid $4.50 for four mink and two otter traps. Baker Harrison goes me halves on them.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 8-9

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson: Friday, November 21, 1862

Baker and I were out prospecting; caught one muskrat; set two traps. I sent a letter and $2 for some books at St. Paul.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 9

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson: Saturday, November 22, 1862

I made a mistake in not detailing a sergeant. The guard house torn down. Company D's quarters used as one. Sent letter to Col. M. J. Thomas. Caught two muskrats. Bake and I were out prospecting. Set 6 traps.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 9

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson: Sunday, November 23, 1862

Corporal Whitney and I took a walk out into the country.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 9

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson: Monday, November 24, 1862

I bought alum, 25; dried apples, 25; candles, 25. 2nd Smith sold (Sunday school papers).

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 9

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson: Tuesday, November 25, 1862

Lieut. Col. Peteler and I talked upon the subject of my appointment as sergeant major.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 9

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson: Sunday, November 30, 1862

Bake and I caught three muskrats.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 9

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Jefferson Davis to Joseph B. Cobb and others, June 29, 1847

(From The Southron, July 16, 1847.)

Brierfield, Miss., 29th June, 1847.

Gentlemen:—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your very kind and complimentary letter of the 21st inst. inviting me to a public dinner to be given to the "Tombigby Volunteers," who have recently returned from Mexico. The prospect of meeting my many kindly remembered friends of your vicinity, would at any time create in me the most pleasing anticipations, but on the present occasion such anticipations are more than ordinarily excited by the very gratifying terms of your invitation, and the opportunity you offer of meeting embodied, perhaps, for the last time, those of my brethren in arms appropriately termed by you, "the remnant of that gallant corps the Tombigby Volunteers." Circumstances deprive me of the pleasure of being with you in person on this occasion, and of enjoying the proud satisfaction of seeing you bestow upon my late comrades the only reward which they ever could have expected, the only incentive worthy of their conduct: the gratitude of their fellow citizens, the approval of those whom they especially represented in their country's service, the "well done" of those whose good name was entrusted to their keeping.

Through you gentlemen of the committee, permit me to return my thanks to your fellow citizens of Lowndes County, for their flattering attention, and to express the sincere regret I feel at not having been able to accept their invitation. To you for the kind and most pleasing terms in which you have addressed me, I am deeply obliged.

With sincerest regard I remain

Your friend,
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
To Jos. B. Cobb, and others.

SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, p. 85-6

Jefferson Davis to James K. Polk, June 20, 1847

(From Vicksburg Weekly Whig, October 20, 1847.)

Warren County, Miss., June 20, 1847.
To the President:

My Dear Sir:—Your very kind and complimentary letter of the 19th May last, was received in New Orleans, together with the commission to which you therein referred.

To be esteemed by you as one whose services entitled him to promotion, is to me a source of the highest gratification; which will remain to me undiminished, though my opinions compel me to decline the proffered honor.

I will this day address to the Adjutant-General of the U. S. Army, an official note informing him, that the commission has been received, and is declined. To you I wish to give an explanation, being too sensibly affected by your expression of honorable estimation and friendly regard, willingly to run any hazard of a misapprehension of the motives which have decided my course. You inform me that my command will consist of volunteers. I still entertain the opinion expressed by me, as a member of Congress, in May and June, 1846, that the "volunteers" are militia. As such they have a constitutional right to be under the immediate command of officers appointed by State authority; and this I think is violated by any permanent organization made after they have passed into the service of the United States; by which they lose their distinctive character of State troops, become part of a new formation, disciplined by, corresponding and only recognised through the head, which the federal government has set over them.

Such I consider the organization of Volunteer regiments into Brigades, under Brigadiers appointed by the President, as provided for in the law of June, 1846; and entertaining this opinion, my decision, as stated to you was the necessary result.

For the gratifying notice you have taken of myself and the regiment I had the honor to command; for the distinction you have been pleased to confer upon me by this unsolicited appointment; and for the kind solicitude you express for my welfare, receive, Sir, my sincerest thanks.

Very truly, your friend,
JEFFERSON DAVIS.

SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, p. 86-7

Jefferson Davis to William L. Marcy, June 29, 1847

(From Mississippi Free Trader, Aug. 4, 1847.)

Warrenton, Mississippi, June 29, 1847.
Hon. W. L. Marcy, Secretary of War:

Sir—Several companies have been raised in this State, composed partly of the men of the Regiment I commanded in Mexico. Applications have been made to me for information as to the mode by which they can be received into General Taylor's army, and obtain transportation thither. The greater part of them prefer to serve as mounted men; they are willing to engage for the war, and if authority were given, I have no doubt would soon fill up the incomplete Regiment called from Texas. I believe it would require but a short time to raise another Rifle Regiment to take the place of that lately disbanded, if this be desirable. Those who have spoken to me attach great importance to the difference between volunteers as originally called out, and the organization provided for those, who after the expiration of their twelve months term should re-engage, because the first class have the right of electing their own officers whenever vacancies occur.

Please inform me whether companies or a battalion or a regiment of Riflemen will be received; if so, will they be allowed to go out as mounted men, or will they be received as foot under the act of May 13, 1846.

Very respectfully,

Your most Obed't serv't,
JEFFERSON DAVIS.

SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, p. 87-8