I had set myself to
reading Maury's "Physical Geography of the Sea," after a long
deferring; but now that he has come out as a rank rebel against his country, I
cannot feel any interest in his theories, ingenious as they are said to be.
Like poor, wise, fallen Bacon, his ideas may prove something to the world,
"after some years have passed over," but one is not fond of being
taught by traitors.
SOURCE: Daniel
Dulany Addison, “Lucy Larcom: Life, Letters, and Diary,” p. 91
A glimpse into a
heart which has always been closed, both to God and man, — what a chaos it
discloses! Yet with all the elements of order there, it is like the promise of
a new creation. Such a glimpse, such a half-unveiling, one has given me
to-day, out of a soul-deep, long-repressed longing for "something to
love!" Ah, that sorrowful need of every woman's heart, especially; yet
more joyful than sorrowful, because the longing shows the fulfillment possible,
— yes, certain. In the heavenly life, which such aspirations prophesy, there is
love abounding, to give and to receive. And I am thankful for one more to love.
SOURCE: Daniel
Dulany Addison, “Lucy Larcom: Life, Letters, and Diary,” pp. 91-2
Esther dead! Gone
home two days before I heard or dreamed of it! But since she has gone home, — since
it is only a glorious release for her, — I will not let a thought of repining
sully the gladness I ought to share with her. It is only that one who has
always lived near the Holiest One is now called nearer still. I have known her
only in Him, and there I know her and love her still.
SOURCE: Daniel
Dulany Addison, “Lucy Larcom: Life, Letters, and Diary,” p. 92
They write to me of
her funeral, of the white flowers beside her head, and of her own lilies of the
valley strewn over her in the grave by one who knew how she loved them.
Everything that would have made her happy, had her eyes been open to see, and
her ears to hear. They sang the hymns she loved, "Rock of Ages," and
"I would not live alway," and "Thy will be done." And my
dear friend is free!—her soul has blossomed into heavenly light! I told her
once that this book was for only her to see; I do not like my thoughts when I
think them for myself alone; and there is no other friend who would care as she
cared. Will she read them now?
SOURCE: Daniel
Dulany Addison, “Lucy Larcom: Life, Letters, and Diary,” p. 92
This is the gala
week of spring. None of the early flowers have quite faded, and the apple trees
are in full bloom, while elms and maples are just wearing their lightest
drapery of green, so tardily put on. Soft breezes, sweet melody from many
birds, clear sunshine, not yet too warm, all things are just in that state,
when, if we could wish for a standstill in nature, we should.
And Esther has been
one week in heaven! It seems to me, sometimes, as if some new charm was added
to cloud and sunshine, and spring blossoms, since she went away; as if it were
given me to see all things clearer for her clearer vision; she would speak to
me, if she could.
Lectures these few
days on historical women. Paula, Queen Elizabeth, and Madame de Maintenon, thus
far. Paula, the friend of St. Jerome, and the woman whom the speaker made to
illustrate friendship, pleased me most, as presenting a higher ideal than
either of the others. Christianity gave woman the privilege of a pure
friendship with man; before unknown, we are told. It is one of the noblest
gifts of religion, and I wish people believed in it more thoroughly. But only a
truly elevated and chastened nature can understand real friendship, not a
Platonic ideal only, though that is elevated, let who will sneer at it: but a
drawing of the noblest souls together, and to the Soul of souls, for the
highest ends. This is Christian friendship; union in Christ for all beauty, all
purity, all true and noble life, which He illustrated in His own glorious
life and death, and of which He is now the inspiring power. "We are
complete in Him."
Yes, I am sure that
it is in drawing near to Him that I feel the loveliness of such beauty as that
into which the world now blossoms; for is not He the Lord of nature, and also
my Lord and Friend? And through His great love for us, I see the ideal of all
true human love. "As I have loved you," He said, "so must we
love each other, with tenderness, forbearance, generosity, and self-sacrifice."
Such friendship is
possible, is eternal; and it is almost the most precious thing in the soul's
inheritance.
SOURCE: Daniel
Dulany Addison, “Lucy Larcom: Life, Letters, and Diary,” pp. 93-4
I have been free for
a few days, and have taken a journey, a flying tour among some of my friends.
How it quieted me, to be with my peace-loving friends in these wild times of
war!
There are some
friends whose presence is encouragement in all that is good, whom to look upon
is to grow stronger for the truth. There are homes, too, over which saintly
memories hang, making all within and around them sacred, blending earth with
heaven by holy sympathies. How blessed I am, to know such friends, to enter
such homes as these! Sometimes I can truly say, "My cup runneth
over!"
SOURCE: Daniel
Dulany Addison, “Lucy Larcom: Life, Letters, and Diary,” p. 94
Still the same old
weariness of study; "weariness of the flesh." Books are treasures,
but one may work among treasures even, digging and delving, till there is
little enjoyment in them. And the greater pain is, that, by becoming numb to
the beautiful and true, in any form, one does not feel its power entirely,
anywhere. So I felt this morning, which I stole from my books. I sat on a ledge
in a distant field, all around me beautiful with June, and no sight or sound of
human care in sight. I sat there like a prisoner, whose chains had dropped for
the moment, but the weight and pain of them lingered still. Yet I began to feel
what it is to be free, and how sweet and soothing nature always is, before I
rose to return. I think it would not take me long to get accustomed to freedom,
and to rejoice in it with exceeding joy.
SOURCE: Daniel
Dulany Addison, “Lucy Larcom: Life, Letters, and Diary,” pp. 94-5
Weary, weary, too
weary to listen patiently to the heavy Sabbath bells; far too weary to sit in
the church and listen to loud words and loud singing. And my brain is too tired
to let my heart feel the beauty of this quiet day. I only know that the balm and
beauty of June are around me, without realizing it much. But rest will come
soon, up among the mountains with friends who love noise and confusion as
little as I do. I shall be at peace. A blessing will come to us, among the
hills.
SOURCE: Daniel
Dulany Addison, “Lucy Larcom: Life, Letters, and Diary,” p. 95
Crackers all around
the house at night. Fire-crackers, torpedoes, pistols, and bell-ringing, are
enough to make one sick of one's country, if this is the only way of showing
one's patriotism. I am sure, as I lay last night, nervously wide awake, with
every shot startling and paining me as if it had really gone through my brain,
I felt more belligerently disposed toward the young patriots than toward
the Southern rebels! But if there is no other way of nursing an interest in
free institutions among these juvenile republicans, there's nothing to be done
but to endure the "Fourth of July" once a year, for the general good.
SOURCE: Daniel
Dulany Addison, “Lucy Larcom: Life, Letters, and Diary,” pp. 95-6
Attended church
to-day at the Second Presbyterian, or "Union Church" as it is called.
It is the only one in the city, I am told, where one is sure of hearing
sentiments of loyalty. Rev. Mr. Allen is pastor. He does not fear now, under
the shadow of Fort Negley, and with so many "blue coats" about, to
"Lift up his voice like a trumpet, and show the people their
transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins." I believe, however,
that he was obliged to leave the place previous to the entrance of our troops.
I saw a pomegranate
flower for the first time, to-day. It is of a dark red color, single, about the
size of a plum blossom. It is of the same family I think, though cannot analyze
it, for want of a botanical work.
In passing through
ward 1 of the hospital last Wednesday, and asking advice of the chief nurse—who,
by the by, is soon to complete his studies as surgeon—as to what we could do
for the benefit of the invalids, he said there were two cases who would die
unless some one could by attention and cheerful conversation save them. That
they had been sick a long time, were very low, but the trouble now was nervous
debility from homesickness and despair of life. Had himself done what he could
for them, but was worn out with care of the ward and loss of sleep. And he
added:
"The Surgeon
has given them up, and I will give them into your charge, and if they live it
will be your care which saves them."
"Would anything
be injurious for them to eat?"
"No, if you can
get them to eat anything you will do better than I can."
Upon inquiring which
they were, he pointed them out, when I told him that I had spoken to both only
a few moments before, and that one would scarcely notice me enough to tell me his
disease, while the other would not answer at all, but drew the sheet over his
face.
"Oh, yes,"
he replied, "they think no one cares for them, that they're going to die,
and the worst one is in a half stupor much of the time. But pass your hand
gently over his forehead to arouse him, and then you know how to interest
him."
He then directed the
nurse of this one to go with me and see that everything was done which I
directed. The nurse and patient were both from Indiana, and the former going to
the side of the bed toward which the face of the sick man was turned, said in a
peculiarly pleasant and sympathizing tone:
"William,
there's a lady come to see you and she wants to make you well if she can."
Passing my hand over
his forehead, as directed, I added as cheerily as possible :
"Yes, William,
I've come to see if I can't do something for you; if I shall write some letters
for you, or bring you something to eat to make you better."
He roused up and I
knew he was listening, but not wishing to excite him too much I then commenced
asking of the nurse about his company and regiment, and the length of time he
had been sick in that hospital. But I had scarcely done so, when the sick man
turned his face down into the pillow, burst into tears and grieved and sobbed like
a child, fairly shaking the bed with the violence of his emotion. The nurse
bent down to him, and said as if pacifying a sick child:
"Don't fret so,
William, this lady loves you, and she's going to try to make you well."
I knew the tears
would do him good, but I spoke low and slowly, and the sobs grew less as he
listened:
"You've been
sick a long time, I know, and have grown discouraged and have thought you were
never going to get well, but the Doctor says there is nothing to hinder if you
will only try. I was once sick myself with a low nervous fever, and felt just
as you do for a long time. And the physician told me at last that I wouldn't
live unless I made up my mind to try to live. And I did try and worked hard for
it for a long time else I should never have got well. And now if you will do
the same and think all the time of what you are going to do when you get well,
I will come and see you as often as I can, and bring you anything you wish to
eat. Wouldn't you like to have me write for you to ask your wife, mother, or
sister, to come and take care of you?
Just then the nurse
tells me he is "single" and I repeat the question of his mother and
sisters.
"No," he
replied, in a sad, grieved, hollow voice, "they wouldn't
come."
"Shouldn't I
write to his father to tell him how he was." "No," he didn't
"want any letters written."
"Could he think
of something he could eat."
He said he could
not, but the nurse exclaimed:—"Why, William, don't you remember you said
the other day you could eat some pickles, if you could get them?"
"Yes, I could eat some pickles," said the slow, hollow
voice. A little inquiry found that it was possible he could eat a cookie also,
so it was arranged that the nurse should call at the home of the Christian Commission,
where I was stopping, for the articles.
I also learned that
the sick man had not been bathed since having the fever, and his face looked
like dried parchment. I made a prescription of castile soap and warm water for
his benefit, to be applied to the whole surface of his body—the application
to take place immediately after my departure. After the bath, the nurse called
and I sent some cookies and a small jar of pickles.
The other patient to
whom I was referred, was scarcely less interesting, but have not time to note
the particulars. I visited them again yesterday, and found my directions with
regard to each had been carried out, and both were better and glad this time to
see me. William rejoiced in the jar of pickles upon his stand, out of which he
had gained sufficient appetite to "reckon," he "could eat a few
dried peaches, if he could get them." A small jar of those was prepared
and sent to him, with a second edition of cookies.
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA.
The date of May 13th
was written at the depot in Augusta, Georgia, and brings me to my arrival at
that place. I had intended passing on without delay, but heard from a stranger
on the cars that Lieutenant Selman and my other Texas friends were at
Montgomery and would be in Augusta on the next train. This determined me to
spend a day in Augusta, to let them overtake me. I had my baggage carried to
the Augusta Hotel, and after making myself presentable, called at Mr. Carter's
drug store and found that he had gone to Charleston to purchase a new supply of
drugs. I met at the drug store Mr. Rogers, a brother of Mrs. Hardin, and who
looks very much like her; spent an hour inquiring for Mr. Robert Lamar, my
wife's uncle, then walked around to Dr. Ford's; found Miss Sallie May and Mrs.
Clinch sitting in the passage; they did not recognize me and asked me to walk
into the parlor. I found Dr. Ford and a patient in consultation. He seemed
delighted to see me. I went into the breakfast table, and when the ladies found
me out I was plied with questions about my wife and the children, and must say
here, once for all—"nunc pro tunc"1 that I have spent the
last three days in a like agreeable task. My sweet wife seems to be beloved by
every one who knows her. I stayed but a short time and learned that Mr. Clinch
was mayor at Vicksburg and DeSaussure Ford was with Bragg's army. I went to Mr.
Barney Dunbar's office and had a long talk with him; went out to Mr. Robert
Lamar's and there found that grandma and Aunt Mary were absent. When I arrived
at Columbia and Augusta depot, met Lieutenant Selman, Mullens and Burwell
Aycock, who had left me sick at Marshall, Texas.
Aycock went to
Chattanooga on account of old wounds still troubling him. After the trials and
difficulties of our trip and our unpleasant separation, our meeting was a
joyful occasion. They went on to Weldon and I came on to Columbia, not,
however, without a serious loss—my blankets were stolen out of the cars at
Branchville.
I reached Columbia
at 6 o'clock a. m., and went up to Major Stark's without giving any notice.
Decca Stark was just about to start to Fairfield. She exclaimed, "I do
believe it is Mr. West," and then both looked blank until I smiled. They
thought that Mary and the children must be dead, but matters were soon
explained. I took breakfast with the family, and after spending the morning in
giving a full account of myself and Mary, went up town; met John McDowell, from
Camden; he is captain of a mounted rifle company from Montgomery, Alabama.
After dinner I
walked out to Stark's Hill to see aunties; found them all looking well, especially
Aunt Mac. The garden was looking beautiful; indeed, old Columbia altogether is
the handsomest place I ever saw, and I think if my Mary was with me now I would
be perfectly happy. Every one here has received me so joyfully; both Mary's
friends and my own have met me so cordially that I cannot be otherwise than
happy, and mother and Decca have done, and seem willing to do, so much for my
comfort that I feel willing to make any sacrifice for wife to share these
attentions with me. Mary is more entitled to all this pleasure than I am;
but fortune dispenses favors in an inexplicable manner. I trust my wife may be
here before I return to Texas. She shall not be tied down in the creek bottom
forever.
On the second day I
walked out to Aunt Carrie Stark's, in company with Decca. She did not know who
had called and primped up as if she expected to meet a stranger. She was
delighted to see me and seemed very cheerful; introduced us to Mrs. Raoul and
Mrs. Hamilton. After I started out she came into the portico with me and her
manner was entirely changed; she spoke of her afflictions and seemed very sad.
God has dealt very severely with her, and I pray to be delivered from such
visitations, unless it be for my good, which I cannot believe. Heaven will not
try me thus. We came on to Mrs. Elmore's and saw Mrs. Elmore, Miss Cornelia and
Miss Grace; Mrs. Elmore and Miss Cornelia look five years younger than they did
five years ago. We came on to the city and went to the deguerrean gallery to
have a copy made of Mary's picture. Decca Stark is with me in all these visits,
and seems willing to do anything for my enjoyment.
On the third day of
my stay I spent the morning at home with Decca and mother. In the afternoon
Decca and I walked to Sydney park and over it; saw not a soul whom we
recognized. The park is wonderfully improved, and shows what energy and taste
can do in a little while. There is some encouragement and satisfaction to
exercise taste and energy in a country where it rains; there is none in Texas.
We called at Dr.
William Reynolds' on the way home. They are living now at the old Muller place,
and have improved it vastly. Misses Jane and Sophia Reynolds have a very large
school, and Mrs. Reynolds superintends the housekeeping and the comfort of the
boarders, of whom they have a large number. Miss Jane was sick, but Mrs.
Reynolds and Miss Sophia and Miss Sophy Niel received me very joyfully. I met
here two of old Dr. DeLeon's daughters from Columbia. All parties were anxious
to hear of my Aunt Catherine Eccles and of the other children. Part of the
improvement consists in the removal of the exclusive-looking, tall plank fence,
which is replaced by an iron railing. The flower garden is tastily arranged and
there is generally an inviting air about the entire premises. A graduate will
not look back upon the place as an escaped convict views and remembers the
penitentiary.
The fourth day of my
stay in Columbia was Sunday. I attended the Baptist church in the morning and
in the evening and the Episcopal in the afternoon. The Baptist meeting house is
quite handsomely finished and does credit to the taste of the denomination
here. There is also in it a magnificent organ, said to be the finest in the
city. Its tones are grand and full, and it certainly adds greatly to the beauty
and solemnity of the worship and services. The building will seat
comfortably over two thousand persons.
On Monday, the fifth
day, I took breakfast with Major Stark, at 6 o'clock in the morning, and walked
with him out to the farm and over it. A place with such water privileges would
be invaluable in Texas. Vegetables of every description could be had all the
year round. I looked at the overseer's house and the well so close, the garden
and the chicken yard, and thought how happy and blest Mary would be if she were
there. Ought we to return to South Carolina? Oh, for light and direction on
this subject! Have I the right to debar a pure, good woman from all the
endearments and joys of home, because she loves me and is ready and willing to
make any sacrifice for me? I returned home by Stark's Hill and took breakfast
with aunties, and had a pleasant visit. Aunt Mary gave me a very nice blanket
with which to replace my lost one. I came by Mrs. Singleton's and stayed an
hour; made the acquaintance of Captain Haskell, who seems to be a very
gentlemanly and sensible person; think I would like him very much on further
acquaintance.
Came home and walked
up town with Major Stark to see about having my transportation changed so as to
permit me to go to Charlotte instead of going back to Kingsville. Mr. J.
Pringle Smith seemed very willing to accommodate me, but exhibited a very
laudable disposition to avoid any violation of duty or law. He finally required
me to pay my own way for fifty miles on the road, this being the
difference between the distances from Kingsville to Weldon and from Columbia to
Weldon.
In returning to
Major Stark's I met Mr. Lem Boykin, son of Mr. Burwell Boykin. He is captain of
a company on the coast, and is as wild and "harum scarum" as ever.
After dinner I received a visit from Mr. Breaker, the Baptist minister, and his
wife. He is a sensible man and she is a pretty woman. Of course such company is
always pleasant.
I walked with Decca
to the daguerrean gallery; got the copy of my Mary's picture; am only tolerably
pleased with it, but doubt not it will console me in some degree in the long,
weary hours I must be away from her. Perhaps I may never see her again until
she is a radiant angel in the skies; and I trust in God that whatever other
punishment or destiny may await me for my short-comings in this life, that I
may not be shut out from the light of my Mary's face forever. To me
there will be but one other countenance in heaven to compare with it and divide
my worship—my mother's!
From the window of
the daguerrean gallery we witnessed the parade of the Arsenal cadets. They
presented an unusually fine appearance and will doubtless do good service in
this war during the next five years.
We made a call at
Mr. De Saussure's, but did not find Mrs. Wallace and Mrs. Burroughs at home.
Mr. William DeSaussure is the only person except myself who has not forgiven me
for leaving Mary in Texas. We called at Mr. Shand's on the way home, but Mrs.
Wilson was out. We returned after tea and had a pleasant visit of an hour.
I forgot to say that
Decca went with me to see old Mrs. Murphy after service on Sunday afternoon.
The old lady was in bed, severely stricken with the palsy, but seemed animated
and bright on my entrance, and talked of Mary and the pleasant times she had
with her "in this very room." She seemed very much distressed to know
that her grandson and only heir was an orphan in the hands of his mother's
people, the Catholics.
Thus I have brought
this hurried journal down to Tuesday morning, May the 19th, at which time I am
sitting in the parlor alone, and have been for an hour, waiting for mother and
Decca to get up for breakfast. I have very few general comments to make on my
visit; suffice it to say, that I am agreeably surprised to find that the degree
of pleasure I have enjoyed in this short visit has exceeded ten-fold my
anticipations. I did not think that I would receive such a hearty welcome and
so much kindness. I owe it all to Mary and have regretted and still regret that
I did not make the effort to bring her with me notwithstanding the difficulties
and uncertainties of the route. I received the following memoranda today,
to-wit: Miss Nannie Norton, corner of Eighth and Marshall Streets, Richmond,
Va.; T. Lamar Stark, Edgefield Hussars, Captain Clark, Second Regiment S. C. V.
Cavalry, Colonel Butler; Hampton's Brigade, Va.
_______________
1 Latin: now for then.
SOURCE: John Camden
West, A Texan in Search of a Fight: Being the Diary and Letters of a
Private Soldier in Hood’s Texas Brigade, pp. 39-47
I spent yesterday
morning writing to my precious wife. I wrote two letters; one to take the
chances and uncertainties of the mails; the other reserved until I can find
some one going across the Mississippi River. I called on Mrs. Bachman and there
met Mrs. Carroll and her daughter. Mrs. Bachman spoke of Mary as of a sister;
she is a sweet, good woman and was anxious to do something for my comfort. She
gave me a letter to Captain Bachman and also one for some of her cousins in
Virginia; wanted me to leave all my extra clothing with Miss Nannie Norton in
Richmond; said that Wat Taylor had left his things there. Mrs. Bachman's
paintings are enchanting to me. What a useful and delightful accomplishment
painting is. By it we can leave such precious and enduring mementoes of
ourselves, when all other memories have faded in the oblivion of a shadowy
past. I spent the afternoon with mother only, and began to feel like I had
somebody to love me this side of the Mississippi. For all that I hold dearest
is west of the river. Mother (Mrs. Stark) has treated me as her own son. She
has furnished me with clothing, which I needed; has given me $40.00 and appears
anxious to do more for me. I went out to auntie's, at Stark Hill, late in the
afternoon and bade them good bye; talked as if they were parting with one
who had a right to their affections; all this nerves me very much and added to
the approval of my own conscience makes me more willing and ready to suffer
whatever may be in store for me and let my trials be what they may. May God
save my wife and children from affliction. Let all the evil which may perchance
be in store for them be meted out to me. After supper last night mother went up
stairs with me and we concluded that it would be best to carry only a change of
clothing and leave the rest in Columbia with her, to be sent as I needed them.
She packed my things and spoke so kindly and affectionately to me that I love
her next to Mary. It is now. 6 o'clock on Wednesday morning. I am waiting for
Decca to get ready to go to the depot with me; she is going as far as Winsboro
to pay a visit to Jennie Preston Means.
SOURCE: John Camden
West, A Texan in Search of a Fight: Being the Diary and Letters of a
Private Soldier in Hood’s Texas Brigade, pp. 47-8
I left with Decca
Stark. There was no incident worth mentioning between Columbia and Winsboro. We
met Stark Means at the depot. He is in fine health and only limping a little
from his wound. Chester, Charlotte and Raleigh all larger and more city-like
than I expected. We passed Concord and Salisbury at night. It is twenty years
since last I saw any of them, and my sweet mother was present then. I was a boy
nine years old. I recollected leaving a whip on the mantlepiece of the
Charlotte Hotel at that time, and I have never forgotten it. Mr. Crist, at
Gott's Hotel, in Salem, made this whip for me. I am now at Raleigh, and since I
am separated with my friends (perhaps forever) I wish I was with old Company E.
SOURCE: John Camden
West, A Texan in Search of a Fight: Being the Diary and Letters of a
Private Soldier in Hood’s Texas Brigade, pp. 48-9
Left Raleigh about 9
o'clock yesterday morning. The road from Raleigh to Weldon is the most crooked
and through the most broken country I ever saw. Every foot of it is over an
embankment or through a deep cut. The land along the route is all poor and
barren and yet there are some beautiful residences and the people seem to be
doing well. How they live I cannot tell. There were occasionally fine apple
orchards and clover fields. I had the good fortune to meet up with Mr.
Carpenter, a member of the North Carolina legislature. He was a pleasant
companion and had some genuine whiskey, having married the heiress of a
distiller. I made also the acquaintance of an old gentleman named Miller, who
was on his way to Richmond to see two wounded nephews, one of whom had lost an
arm; he also had some whiskey, which he said came from the drug store and must
be good. He had also some cakes, good ham and fresh butter, which I enjoyed
very much. He is a Baptist and is acquainted with Mr. Lemmond, of Waco, Texas.
We reached Weldon about 5 o'clock in the afternoon, and as the cars were not to
start until 9 o'clock, I concluded to take a stroll. I obtained a drink of the coldest water
I ever drank and observed the address of Captain H. A. Troutman on a box, which
put me on the lookout for him. I soon met him and we had a long talk on old
college times. He had married a Miss Napier. John Neely is dead; Miss Lou is
married to Ed. McClure. Billy Clifton has become a devout Baptist. Charley
Boyd, John McLemore and Lucius Gaston are all killed; murdered by fanatical
vandals; ten thousand mercenaries cannot pay for such men as these. They helped
to make and adorn the character of a noble people. They were all my college
friends. We loved each other and cherished common hopes of a happy future.
I went to supper
with Troutman. He boards with the post commissary, who, of course, gets a
little of everything. We had light rolls, scrambled eggs, genuine coffee,
salmon, etc., for supper. The commissary is run by Mr. Peterson, brother of
Judge Peterson, of San Antonio, Texas. We left Weldon at 9 o'clock and jogged
along slowly until about 3 o'clock a. m., when we reached Petersburg. I
shouldered my carpet-bag, overcoat and blanket and walked a mile to the depot.
Cars left Petersburg about 5 o'clock a. m., and ran so slowly that I had ample
time to inspect the country. When we came within eight miles of Richmond I
observed a large amount of timber felled on either side of the road and
fortifications thrown up to prevent the advance of the Yanks. When we came
within three miles of Richmond one of the bars which connects the cars broke,
and we were detained for half an hour or more, but another engine very
opportunely came up behind us and pushed us on to Richmond. I found it a much
more beautiful place than I had anticipated. The scenery in crossing James
River is especially attractive. I put up at the American Hotel and spent the
day in wandering "up and down" and "going to and fro" in
it. I called on Miss Wigfall, Mrs. Chestnut, Miss Nannie Norton (who was absent),
Miss Mary Fisher, Mr. and Mrs. Barnwell and met there Mrs. Carter. Called at
the Cabinet Quarters and delivered to C. S. Senator Hon. James Chestnut, a
letter (from Hon. Guy M. Bryan, of Texas) to the president. I went to the
Ballard House to see Hon. H. P. Brewster, of Texas; was unable to find him.
Delivered Mr. Carter's letter to Mr. Winston, who was too busy to notice me, so
I retired. I gave him also the letter to Mrs. Benton. Dined with Colonel and
Mrs. Chestnut, in company with Billy Preston, who is now major of artillery.
Had fish and corn bread, rice and lettuce for dinner, with iced whiskey to wash
it down. After dinner went to the Spotswood Hotel, met Captain Rice and Jimmy
Winn, also Minnie Moses, whom I have not seen for eight years. He is a clerk in
some of the departments. I returned to Miss Mary Fisher's in the afternoon and
left my overcoat in her charge. I am too tired to make comments, though I have
seen a great deal to write about. I am writing this in the public room of
the American Hotel about 11 o'clock at night. They have charged me $7.50 for
supper, night's lodging and breakfast.
SOURCE: John Camden
West, A Texan in Search of a Fight: Being the Diary and Letters of a
Private Soldier in Hood’s Texas Brigade, pp. 49-52
Left Richmond
yesterday about 6:30 o'clock a. m. Found a number of the Texas Brigade and a
few of my regiment on the cars and soon became acquainted with them. The trip
was monotonous, as usual, until we reached Gordonsville, where the crowd was so
great that twenty of us had to stand on the platform. General J. E. B. Stuart
was aboard and appeared to be very fond of ladies and flowers. He is of medium
size, well formed, fair complexion, blue eyes, whiskers and mustache of
sun-burnt reddish color, usually accompanying fair skin. I had quite a pleasant
time on the platform watching the attempts of the proscribed to get a seat in
the cars and their repulse by the provost guard. The cars were for the
accommodation of ladies and commissioned officers. I never knew soldiers of any
grade to be put in the same category with women before. I happened, however, to
meet Tom Lipscomb, my old college classmate, who is now a major, who managed to
get me in under his wing. We had a long talk about Columbia and old college
days. He informed me that Lamar Stark, my wife's brother, was a prisoner
confined in the old capitol in Washington city. We reached Mitchell's Station
at 4 o'clock p. m.; walked five miles, a hot walk, to camp on the Rapidan,
near Raccoon Ford. My regiment, the Fourth Texas, has a delightful camping
place in a grove of large chestnut trees, on a hillside. We have no tents and
the ground is hard and rocky, but we are all satisfied, and one day's
observation has led me to believe that no army on earth can whip these men.
They may be cut to pieces and killed, but routed and whipped, never! I called
on Colonel B. F. Carter this morning and had quite a pleasant interview. He is
a calm, determined man, and one of the finest officers in the division. To-day
was the regular time for inspection and review. One barefooted and ragged hero
came to Colonel Carter's Tent with the inquiry, "Colonel, do you want the
barefooted men to turn out today?" to which the Colonel replied
negatively, with a smile. I went out to the review which took place in an open
field about 600 yards from camp. There were some ladies on horseback on the
field. Their presence was cheering and grateful. They were all dressed in
black, as were more than two-thirds
of the women in the Confederacy. On returning to camp I called on Major Bass,
of the First Texas, and gave him $25.00, which I had received for him from
Lieutenant Ochiltree, at Shreveport, Louisiana, to be handed to Bass if I did
not need it.
I received two
haversacks to-day, miserably weak and slazy, made of thin cotton cloth. I have
only taken a change of underwear, towel, soap and Bible and Milton's Paradise
Lost. I have sent all the rest to Richmond with my carpet sack, to be left
at Mrs. Mary E. Fisher's, on Franklin street, half way between Sixth and
Seventh.
I wrote a letter to
mother and one to wife to-day and read the 104th Psalm. I opened to it by chance,
and it contained just what I felt.
SOURCE: John Camden
West, A Texan in Search of a Fight: Being the Diary and Letters of a
Private Soldier in Hood’s Texas Brigade, pp. 52-4
While we are
encamped life is so monotonous that I do not usually regard it as necessary to
keep a diary, but occasionally we have a little variety and spice which is
exciting and pleasant. Yesterday we received notice early in the morning to
prepare to march five miles to attend a review of our division which was to
take place about a mile beyond General Hood's headquarters. We left our camp
about 8 o'clock a. m. and reached the muster ground about 10 o'clock. We found
the artillery posted on the extreme right about three-quarters of a mile from
our regiment.
The brigades,
Anderson's, Laws', Robertson's and Benning's, were drawn up in line of battle,
being over a mile long; our regiment a little to the left of the center. As we
were properly formed General Hood and staff galloped down the entire length of
the line in front and back again in the rear, after which he took his position
about 300 yards in front of the center. The whole division was then formed into
companies, preceded by the artillery of about twenty pieces; passed in review
before the General, occupying about an hour and a march
of over two miles and a half for each company before reaching its original
position. The spectacle was quite imposing and grand, and I wish Mary and the
children could see such a sight. After passing in review we rested awhile and
were then again placed in line of battle, and the artillery divided into two
batteries, came out on opposite hills in front of us, where they practiced half
an hour or more with blank cartridges. This was the most exciting scene of the
day except the one which immediately followed, viz: We were ordered to fix
bayonets and the whole line to charge with a yell, and sure enough I heard and
joined in the regular Texas war whoop. This was the closing scene of the day,
after which we marched back to camp. There was an immense crowd of citizens out
on the occasion as spectators, reminding me very much of an old time South Carolina
review.
On our return to
camp Companies E and F were ordered on picket guard about a mile and a half
from camp. We packed up everything and were soon off and are now encamped on
the bank of the Rapidan at Raccoon Ford. Last night was quite cool but I slept
comfortably after the tramp of yesterday.
To-day Companies E
and F are variously employed. There is one squad fishing, another has made a
drag of brush and are attempting to catch fish by the wholesale. Two or three
other squads are intensely interested in games of poker; some are engaged on
the edge of the water washing divers soiled garments as well as their equally
soiled skins. I belonged to this latter class for a while, and have spent the
remainder of the morning watching the varying success or failure of the
fishermen and poker-players, and in reading a few chapters and Psalms in the
Old Testament and the history of the crucifixion in the New. I forgot to say
that on yesterday I met on the parade ground Captain Wade and Major Cunningham,
of San Antonio, and also John Darby and Captain Barker. Darby is the chief
surgeon of Hood's Division. I went up to a house to-day about half a mile from
our picket camp and found a negro woman with some corn bread and butter milk. A
friend who was with me gave her a dollar for her dinner, which we enjoyed very
much. The woman was a kind-hearted creature and looked at me very
sympathetically, remarking that I did not look like I was used to hard work,
and that I was a very nice looking man to be a soldier, etc., etc.
Here are the
chapters I have read to-day: Deut., 23:14; II Chron., 32:8; Jeremiah, 49:2;
Revelation, 21:14.
SOURCE: John Camden
West, A Texan in Search of a Fight: Being the Diary and Letters of a
Private Soldier in Hood’s Texas Brigade, pp. 54-6
This morning about
daylight we received orders to be ready to march at 8:30. All is bustle now
getting ready. I have been to the spring for water and have just returned; have
read the 52nd chapter of Isaiah, and 35th Psalm; am now about to pack up.
Sunday evening at
sunset.—We have marched about fourteen miles to-day—a hot dusty march. Nothing
of interest occurred. We are now bivouacked in a pine grove twenty miles from
Fredericksburg, with our arms stacked with orders to be ready to leave at a
moment's notice. The march has not fatigued me anything like as much as many
hunts I have taken at home. Some friend of the soldiers has been kind enough to
send us a number of religious papers, and I am now enjoying the "Christian
Observer," published at Richmond.
SOURCE: John Camden
West, A Texan in Search of a Fight: Being the Diary and Letters of a
Private Soldier in Hood’s Texas Brigade, pp. 56-7
Bright and clear,
warm and pleasant. How well do I remember two short years ago today when we
took a sleigh ride and made a regular family visit at Uncle Tim's. Since then I
have traveled over four thousand miles, five hundred and eighty of which I
marched with gun on my shoulder; have seen more vice and drunkenness than I
ever supposed existed, yet I hope I am morally no worse than when surrounded by
kind relatives and friends. An orderly call beat immediately after reveille
this morning at which time we received orders to cook our rations and be ready
by half past seven. We cooked our fresh pork and by the appointed time had it
in our haversacks, and our knapsacks strapped on our backs, ready for the
march. We went eight miles and camped close to a small town called Lafayette,
situated on the Memphis and Charleston R. R. As soon as we had pitched our
tents, Chas. Berry and myself went out one mile from camp and killed a hog. We
are now the first regiment of the first brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General
McArthur, of Gen. Hamilton's corps, of the left wing of Gen. Grant's army. We
were put in the rear of the brigade today as a special guard to keep up the stragglers.
SOURCE: Seth James Wells, The Siege of Vicksburg: From the Diary of Seth J. Wells, Including Weeks of Preparation and of Occupation After the Surrender, pp. 24-5
Struck out tents
early this morning and marched to Colliersville, a distance of seven miles from
Lafayette and twenty-four from Memphis. As soon as we had stacked our arms and
broken ranks, John Cumbersworth and I went out a mile and a half from camp
and got a fine hog. While we were skinning it our orderly-sergeant, Sullivan,
Jesse Walker and Mike Walsh were captured not more than a quarter of a mile
distant, by a band of rebel cavalry. Sullivan turned and ran and several shots
were fired after him, which we heard plainly but we thought it was the boys
shooting hogs. When we got into camp Bob Dew and Charlie Berry came in with
their paroles, they having been caught by the same company. Five paroled from
Co. K in one day. Five such days' work will muster Co. K out of service. The
17th Ill. at present musters about three hundred and fifty men. On guard
tonight; storming fearfully.
SOURCE: Seth James
Wells, The Siege of Vicksburg: From the Diary of Seth J. Wells,
Including Weeks of Preparation and of Occupation After the Surrender, p. 25
Quite pleasant
during the day, but it rained heavily all night.
SOURCE: Seth James
Wells, The Siege of Vicksburg: From the Diary of Seth J. Wells,
Including Weeks of Preparation and of Occupation After the Surrender, p. 25
