Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson: Wednesday, December 31, 1862

Debate. I fixed up the skull with wax. Carr and I took a walk around. Some curious specimens of quartz found in the well slough.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 10

Colonel Jefferson Davis to Stephen Cocke*, July 15, 1847

(From Mississippi Department of Archives and History.)

Brierfield, Mi. 15th July 1847.

Chancellor Cocke,

Dear Sir, When we parted I hoped by this date to have been able to leave home free from the inconvenience and disagreeable exposure of hopping on crutches.¹ My foot has not improved much and though just now its appearance is flattering I have been so often disappointed that I await further evidence.

I thank you for the interest you take in the appointment of U. S. Senator and am really obliged to Gov. Brown for feelings which by others I had been led to believe he did not entertain towards me.

With the hope that I will soon have the pleasure of seeing you I am as ever very sincerely your friend

Jeffrn. Davis.

_______________

* Chancellor Mississippi Superior Court of Chancery from 1846 to 1853.

¹ Col. Jefferson Davis and his regiment of Mississippi Riflemen saved the army of General Taylor from defeat at the battle of Buena Vista. He was painfully wounded in the foot during the engagement; and after returning to his plantation at "Brierfield" in June 1847 he was disabled for some time. It was during this period that he was appointed United States Senator from Mississippi by Governor Brown.

SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, p. 88

William L. Marcy to Colonel Jefferson Davis, July 16, 1847

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

War Department, July 16, 1847.

Sir: I am directed by the President to inform you, in reply to your letter of the 26th ultimo, that he will accept of such a Battalion of Riflemen as you suggest, to serve during the war, to be raised in the State of Mississippi. You indicate the employment of them under Major General Taylor, but it is probable that the more active operations will be with the column under the command of Maj. Gen. Scott, and their services may be required in connection with that column. Presuming that they will prefer the most active service, and that a different destination from that mentioned by you will not impede the raising of it, I shall send forthwith a request to the Governor to aid in the organization thereof.

In regard to your suggestion that the Battalion should be mounted, I would remark that the mounted force already called out is deemed to be sufficient for the service which may be required of that description of force, and it is not now proposed to add to their number.

Very respectfully, your obd't serv't,

W. L. Marcy, Sec'y of War.

Col. Jefferson Davis,
        Warrenton, Mississippi.

SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, pp. 88-9

Colonel Jefferson Davis to John Jenkins, August 4, 1847

(From Vicksburg Sentinel, August 18, 1847.)

4th August, 1847.

Dear Sir: I send you herewith the correspondence between the Secretary of War and our Governor, in relation to the arms of the first Mississippi Rifles.

One of the letters passed out of my possession at New Orleans, to satisfy the United States Mustering officer of our right to retain the Rifles, and has been recently recovered, or I should have presented this correspondence to you earlier, and asked its insertion in your paper. The prompt and early attention of Gov. Brown to a feeling so deep in our Regiment, has received as it deserved, our especial thanks; and it has seemed to me worthy of being made public.

Very respectfully,

Your friend, &c.,

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, p. 89

Governor Albert G. Brown to William L. Marcy, April 20, 1847

(From Vicksburg Sentinel, August 18, 1847.)

Executive Chamber, Jackson, Mi., 20th April, 1847.

Hon. Wm. L. Marcy, Secretary of War.

Sir: A number of the volunteers in the first Regiment from this State have expressed a very natural anxiety to be allowed to retain the Arms they have borne in Mexico. The attachment which a soldier feels for his gun may easily be imagined. The Mississippians of the first regiment will return home in the course of a few weeks. The reluctance which many of them have expressed, and all of them feel to giving up their guns, induces me to request an order that they be allowed to retain them. If this request cannot be granted, I then request that the arms in the hands of the volunteers belonging to the first Mississippi Regiment may be issued to this State as a part of the quota due her, in which event the State will present them to the volunteers. The Regiment will feel gratified, as well as the citizens of Mississippi generally, if a piece of ordnance taken at Monterey, were presented to the volunteers on their return home as a trophy of that victory, which the Regiment from our State assisted in achieving.

Very Respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

A. G. BROWN.

SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, p. 89-90

William L. Marcy to Governor Albert G. Brown, May 11, 1847

(From Vicksburg Sentinel, August 18, 1847.)

War Department,

May 11th, 1847.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th ultimo, representing the anxiety felt by a number of the volunteers in the first Regiment from your State to retain the arms they have borne in Mexico, and requesting that an order might be issued to that effect. In answer, I regret to say that the Department has no power to dispose of the public property confided to its charge, in the way here proposed. But with a view to gratify the natural desire of the volunteers as far as may be consistently done, the Department takes pleasure in adopting the suggestion of your Excellency, and has accordingly directed that the arms in the hands of the volunteers belonging to the first Mississippi Regiment be issued to the State as a part of her quota under the act of 1808, agreeably to the report of the Ordnance Department herewith enclosed.

It would give me sincere pleasure to comply with your request in relation to presenting to the gallant Mississippi Volunteers a portion of the trophies won at Monterey, but I regret that I have not the right to dispose of them, even to those by whose valor they were acquired. The right to dispose of them is in Congress, and I cannot doubt they will readily and cheerfully gratify the wishes of your brave fellow citizens as soon as it shall be made known to them.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

W. L. MARCY,

Secretary of War.

His Excellency,
    A. G. BROWN,
        Governor of Mississippi,
            Jackson, Mississippi.

SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, pp. 90-1

Lieutenant Colonel George Talcott to William L. Marcy, May 5, 1847

(From Vicksburg Sentinel, August 18, 1847.)

Ordnance Office,        

Washington, 5th May, 1847.

Hon. W. L. Marcy,
        Secretary of War:

Sir: In relation to the letter of the Governor of Mississippi, referred to this office, asking that certain Volunteers from that State be allowed to retain the arms which they have used so efficiently in Mexico, I have the honor to report as follows: With every disposition to gratify the rational desire of the soldier to retain in his possession the weapon, with which he has so successfully fought and gained imperishable renown, there is no power in this Department to thus dispose of public property. One thousand Percussion Rifles were issued to the Regiment commanded by Col. Jefferson Davis. How many have been lost or destroyed in service, is not known. The alternative proposed by Governor Brown, that these arms be issued to the State of Mississippi under the law of 1808, as a part of her quota, may be adopted provisionally, and the whole number stand charged to that State until the losses are ascertained, or until legislation shall be had in the case.

The number of muskets usually apportioned to the State is about three hundred and fifty, so that it would absorb the allotment for three years, were the whole number issued to remain charged to the State.

The letter of Governor Brown is returned herewith.

I am, sir, respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

G. TALCOTT,    

Lt. Col. Ordnance.

SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, p. 91

Wilson Hemingway to Colonel Jefferson Davis, May 21, 1847

(From Vicksburg Sentinel, August 18, 1847.)

Jackson, Miss., 21st May, 1847.

Office of Secretary of State.    

Sir: Enclosed you will receive copies of letter received at the Executive Department, and which, it is, doubtless, the desire of the Governor you should have as soon as possible.

With the highest respect,

And most sincere consideration,

I am you obedient servant,

W. HEMINGWAY.

Col. Jefferson Davis,
        Comd'g 1st Mississippi Regiment.

SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, p. 92

Governor Albert G. Brown to Colonel Jefferson Davis, August 10, 1847

(From the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Letter Book of Governor Brown.)

Executive Chamber        

Jackson Mi. 10th August 1847

Col Jeff Davis
        Warrenton Mi.

Sir

I have the honor to enclose you a commission as U. States Senator to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of the late General Speight.¹ The people have experienced deep and sincere regret in the mournful event, which deprived them of a faithful friend and long tried public servant. In this feeling I have participated to the fullest extent. The event has given us all an opportunity which we embrace with melancholy pleasure of testifying our high appreciation of your valuable services as a member of the twenty-ninth Congress, and your more valuable and distinguished services at the head of the 1st Miss. Regt in Mexico. The people will never cease to remember with pride and gratitude that to you, Sir, and the brave Mississippians under your command, is our State indebted for honors as imperishable as the soil on which you won them; honors, which shall last as long as chivalry is respected or valor has a place in the hearts of men. They expect me to offer you this commission, and it gives me sincere personal pleasure to gratify that expectation. It is the tribute which a grateful people speaking through their representative pays to heroic deeds of disinterested patriotism. In returning to the arena of politics you may have it in your power to counsel your Government in regard to a people whom you have aided in conquering whose weaknesses & follies you have learned to appreciate from personal observation, and to whom I am sure you are willing to give an honorable peace whenever they and their rulers shall have the good sense to accept it.

Very Respectfully

Your ob't serv't

A. G. Brown

_______________

¹ Jesse Speight, 1795-1847. Born in Greene County, N. C. Congressman from that State. U. S. Senator from Mississippi Dec. 1, 1845 to May 1, 1847, the date of his death.

SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, pp. 92-3

Colonel Jefferson Davis to Governor Albert G. Brown, August 15, 1847

(From Mississippi Free Trader, September 8, 1847.)

Warren County, Miss., 15th August, 1847.

Sir—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your very kind letter of the 10th inst., accompanying the commission (which you have conferred upon me) of U. States Senator to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of the late Senator Speight.

In the deep and sincere regret experienced at the loss of our tried and faithful representative, none can sympathize more truly than myself; none more fully realize the calamity we have sustained, in the death of this pure politician, this fearless exponent and vigilant guardian of the interests of our State.

It is with a grateful sense of the distinction bestowed, and a high estimate of the responsibilities which I am about to assume, that I accept the commission you have tendered, with so much of delicate and gratifying encouragement.

The approbation which you convey of my services in the twenty-ninth Congress is especially pleasing, because therein was manifested my fixed opinion on the taxing and expending powers of the federal government, my uniformly entertained and often avowed creed of strict construction for the constitution of our Union.

I cannot express adequately my thanks for the high commendation you bestow on the services rendered in Mexico by the first Mississippi Riflemen. As the representative of the people give us that meed of praise, which is the great incentive, the only reward of the citizen soldier for all which he may suffer or do in the cause of his country. As State troops, under your organization we entered the service of the United States. Proud of the name of Mississippi; proud of her former achievements in war; anxious to burnish on the battle field her shield, rusted in the repose of peace; it was my wish, it was my effort to preserve my distinct organization, our State individuality; that thus we might bring back whatever of honorable distinction we should have the good fortune to acquire, and lay it at the feet of Mississippi, as our contribution to the joint property of her citizens, the reputation of the State.

You have justly anticipated my views in relation to a peace with Mexico; an event to be desired not merely from its influence on our domestic policy, but also to save from monarchial alliance, or entire prostration, a republican confederacy, which, despite our caution and magnanimous forbearance has forced us into war. The common desire of our countrymen to see the principle of self-government extended over this continent and recognized as the policy of America, has justified past administrations in tolerating past offences by Mexico, and still seeking to cultivate friendly relations. This desire has, I doubt not, led to a general approval of the course pursued by the present administration, in its steady efforts to open negotiations for a treaty of peace.

Should these efforts continue to be unsuccessful, we will have the satisfaction to know that our government has acted as became the United States, in avoiding unnecessary injury, to a weak, though perverse and offending neighbor. Sincerely thanking you for your kind expressions and generous confidence, I promise all which zeal and industry can effect in the duties of the high station to which I am assigned.

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Jeff. Davis.

SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, pp. 93-4

Colonel Jefferson Davis to Charles J. Searles, September 19, 1847

(From Washington Union, October 12, 1847.)

Brierfield, Sep. 19, 1847.

C. J. Searles, Esq.—My dear sir: Your highly valued letter of the 3d inst. came duly to hand, but found me quite sick, and I have not been able at an earlier date to reply to it. Accept my thanks for your kind solicitude for my welfare.

Your past conduct enabled me to anticipate this from you, and I am therefore doubly grateful.

The political information you communicate was entirely new to me, and it is only under the belief that the crisis renders important the views of every southern man, that I can account for any speculations having arisen about my opinions as to the next presidency. I have never anticipated a separation upon this question from the democracy of Mississippi; and if such intention or expectation has been attributed to me, it is not only unauthorized but erroneous.

It might become necessary to unite us southern men, and to dissolve the ties which have connected us to the northern democracy, the position recently assumed in a majority of the non-slaveholding States has led me to fear. Yet, I am not of those who decry a national convention, but believe that present circumstances with more than usual force indicate the propriety of such meeting. On the question of southern institutions and southern rights, it is true that extensive defections have occurred among northern democrats; but enough of good feeling is still exhibited to sustain the hope that as a party they will show themselves worthy of their ancient appellation, the natural allies of the south, and will meet us upon just constitutional ground. At least I consider it due to former associations that we should give them the fairest opportunity to do so, and furnish no cause for failure by seeming distrust or aversion.

I would say, then, let our delegates meet those from the north, not as a paramount object to nominate candidates for the presidency and vice presidency, but, before entering upon such selection, to demand of their political brethren of the north a disavowal of the principles of the Wilmot Proviso, an admission of the equal right of the south with the north to the territory held as the common property of the United States, and a declaration in favor of extending the Missouri compromise to all States to be hereafter admitted into our confederacy.

If these principles are recognised, we will happily avoid the worst of all political divisions—one made by geographical lines merely. The convention, representing every section of the Union, and elevated above local jealousy and factious strife, may proceed to select candidates, whose principles, patriotism, judgment, and decision indicate men fit for the time and the occasion. If, on the other hand, that spirit of hostility to the south, hat thirst for political dominion over us, which, within two years past, has displayed such increased power and systematic purpose, should prevail, it will only remain for our delegates to withdraw from the convention, and inform their fellow-citizens of the failure of their mission. We shall then have reached a point at which all party measures sink into insignificance under the necessity for self-preservation; and party divisions should be buried in union for defence.

But, until then, let us do all which becomes us to avoid sectional division, that united we may go on to the perfection of democratic measures, the practical exemplification of those great principles for which we have struggled, as promotive of the peace, the prosperity, and the perpetuity of our confederation.

Though the signs of the times are portentous of evil, and the cloud which now hangs on our northern horizon threatens a storm, it may yet blow over with only the tear-drops of contrition and regret. In this connexion it is consolatory to remember, that whenever the tempest has convulsively tossed our republic and threatened it with wreck, brotherly love has always poured oil on the waters, and the waves have subsided to rest. Thus may it be now and forever. If we should be disappointed in such hopes, I forbear from any remark upon the contingency which will be presented. Enough for the day will be the evil thereof, and enough for the evil will be the union and energy and power of the south.

I hope it will soon be in my power to visit you and other friends at Vicksburg, from whom I have been so long separated. I am, as ever, truly your friend,

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, p. 94-6

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 1, 1863

Weather cleared off and very pleasant.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 2-3, 1863

Firing going on all day, enemy shelling our works, our batteries replying to them. Have not heard of any serious casualties.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 4, 1863

Regiment went out on a reconnoitering expedition on the Yallabusha Road, drew the enemy's fire, but nobody hurt.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 5, 1863

Received orders to hold ourselves ready to strike tents and go on board transports. We are all sadly disappointed at not having a chance at Fort Pemberton, but our generals are much more sensible than we are. They know that we can't take the fort, as it is impossible to bring a sufficient number of troops to operate at once as the fort is almost entirely surrounded by water; the river is so narrow that only one gunboat can operate at a time. Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson of General Grant's staff is here and sees for himself the impossibility of success and the utter uselessness of shedding blood where it would avail nothing. Worked all night.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 6, 1863

Four companies of the 72d with the 4th Minnesota on board the steamer "Pringler"—the balance of the regiment with an Ohio battery on board the "Empire State." Started at nine o'clock on our return.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 9, 1863

The Yazoo Pass expedition has ended and boats all back. Our return was monotonous, as we all felt dispirited at our failure. There was great rejoicing as we once more entered the Mississippi River, the men cheering, and a salute from the battery on board our boat. There were splendid chances to bushwhack us, and I wonder the Rebs didn't do it. There was a great deal of desolation caused by our trip, as many plantations were destroyed. During the trip we buried two of our regiment who died from sickness. Poor fellows, no headstones left to mark their last resting place. The transports are complete wrecks and it is wonderful how they got back. I learn one was burned, being unable to make her way back.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 10, 1863

Disembarked at our old camping ground below Helena on the sand ridge. Await orders now from General Grant for our next move, which we understand is another route to Vicksburg.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 12, 1863

Started again down the Mississippi, our destination being Milliken's Bend.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 13, 1863

Laid up last night on account of a very heavy storm, the officers of the transport being afraid to run in such a storm, being so deeply loaded.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 12