Diary of Musician David Lane, October 23, 1863— 7 p. m.

Loudon.  This has been a dismal day. It reminds me of the day we crossed the Potomac last fall. It began to rain at 5 o'clock this morning, and has rained all day, and there is every prospect of a wet night.

I never think of that fearful night without a thrill of horror. I marched all that day in the pelting rain, soaked to the skin, and when night came, weary as I was, I faced the fierce northern blasts until morning. I date all my suffering from that dreadful night.

Although this storm reminds me of that day, and, under similar circumstances would have been quite as unpleasant, yet I have passed it quite comfortably. My comrade and I have a good tent, each of us a blanket and rubber ponchos, which enables us to keep dry and warm. These rubbers are very useful. If overtaken by a storm while on the march, not only is the person kept dry, but his blankets and haversack. At night we spread it on the ground, and no moisture can reach the person.

But this storm; what will be its effect on military operations here? I confess to a feeling of anxiety; 1 fear we are to be again "stuck in the mud," as at Fredericksburg. If this is really the beginning of the rainy season, we can do but little more. And so much remains to be done. We must occupy and hold this railroad, or evacuate East Tennessee, and that right speedily. We can get supplies in no other way. There are not mules enough in the United States to haul our supplies over the mountains in the winter. In fact, now, when the roads, are comparatively good, it cannot be done. We have been on half rations ever since we crossed the mountains.

But away with such gloomy thoughts, and let faith and hope prevail. Tomorrow may bring forth light from this pall of darkness.

SOURCE: David Lane, A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer, 1862-1865, pp. 110-1

Diary of Musician David Lane, October 25, 1863

The storm has passed away, and the sun shines out warm and genial. The roads are in fearful condition, but getting better.

Yesterday all the teams, and everything and everybody that could not fight, were sent to the rear. Every preparation was made to repel the expected attack; things packed and we lay all day behind our arms with all equipments on, ready for instant use. About 8 o'clock a strong force was sent out to reconnoitre. Toward night we could hear the dull boom of distant cannon, feeling for the enemy. Impatiently we awaited the result.

SOURCE: David Lane, A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer, 1862-1865, p. 112

Diary of Musician David Lane, October 27, 1863

Loudon.  Everything remains precisely as it was three days ago. We are not allowed to leave camp, at least beyond bugle call. Our guns must be kept in perfect order, ready for instant use. Artillery horses wear their harness night and day. In fact, we are ready for attack, advance or retreat at a minute's notice. Each morning the cavalry goes to the front, skirmish with the enemy, watch their movements through the day and return to camp at night. Matters wear a strange aspect; the Rebels seem playing with us; now advancing, now retiring. I know not what to think of the way things are working.

SOURCE: David Lane, A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer, 1862-1865, pp. 112-3

Diary of Musician David Lane, October 28, 1863

Lenoir, Tenn.  I said yesterday that I was puzzled. I am more than ever today. I am confounded, disappointed, chagrined.

Our forces evacuated Loudon early this morning. The Rebels took immediate possession. Everything of value that could not be removed was destroyed. Only last night a locomotive was run across the river to be used on that side as we advanced. Four cars had been left there by the Rebels when they evacuated. As we had no time to remove them, the engineer put on steam and ran them off the embankment into the river. The Union people left with us. We have fallen back six miles and encamped for the night. A strong force is posted on the heights to prevent surprise.

I am simply stating facts as they occur. Of course, I cannot know the whys and wherefores of these movements. Perhaps they are part of the "original plan," and not a retreat. We all have confidence in Burnside, but, if we do not see Knoxville between now and Sunday I am much mistaken. To my heated imagination the Cumberland Mountains loom up with wonderful distinctness.

SOURCE: David Lane, A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer, 1862-1865, p. 113

Diary of Musician David Lane, October 29, 1863

Lenoir.  Another letter from home last night, dated October 16th. Only four letters in two months; I find, too, my letters are quite as irregular.

I have just learned that Lieutenant Miller starts for home at 6 o'clock tomorrow morning. He will visit my loved ones and tell them all the news. I know not how to express myself in regard to our present situation. I am glad we were not forced to retreat. Still, I am certain we could have held those heights, and to leave without firing a gun! Oh, for a few Wolfords and Grants—men who are "here to fight."

All sorts of rumors are afloat. "Bragg, with all his army, is advancing." Longstreet is crossing the river six miles below Kingston to flank us on the right. Another heavy force is on our left, making for Knoxville. "Wilcox has been driven back from the east," and a hundred others equally encouraging. We know not what to think of it, and yet must criticise and form conclusions. But it is all explained at last. We fell in at 1 o'clock today, marched about a mile to a beautiful grove near a large spring of never-failing water. Here our division formed in line and stacked arms, with orders to remain in line until further notice. Lieutenant Colonel Comstock soon called our regiment to "attention," ordered company commanders in front of center, and then and there revealed to them the long-wished-for intelligence. All officers and men were taken by surprise. We were prepared to hear of some great calamity, but not for this. Nothing like it had ever before happened to the Ninth Army Corps. "Our fall campaign is closed. Prepare for yourselves comfortable quarters for the winter." For a moment there was a silence that could be felt, then a shoat went up that "rent the heavens and shook the everlasting hills." Not simply because we were ordered to prepare winter quarters, but a mysterious movement had been explained a weight of anxiety removed.

SOURCE: David Lane, A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer, 1862-1865, pp. 113-5

Diary of Musician David Lane, October 31, 1863

Lenoir.  We are working like beavers, building our little houses. They are to be eight feet by ten, and will accommodate four persons. Nothing can be heard but the clatter of axes and the crash of falling timber. Only the First Division is stationed here. This is said to be the lower extremity of Burnside's department. It is something like Fredericksburg, in this: Our pickets are stationed on opposite sides of the river within hailing distance. Colonel Leisure says a supply train is almost here. When it comes, our empty haversacks are to be filled and our rags exchanged for clothes. Everything is to be very precise and regular, as becomes an army of veterans.

SOURCE: David Lane, A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer, 1862-1865, p. 115

Charles Francis Adams Sr. to Senator Charles Sumner, August 1, 1852

The result at which you arrived is not in the least surprising to me. You are in your nature more trusting than I, and therefore expected more. Where slavery is concerned I have not a particle of confidence in the courtesy, honor, principles, or veracity of those who sustain it, either directly by reason of selfish interest, or more remotely through the servility learned by political associations. In all other cases I should yield them a share of confidence. I should not, therefore, had I been in your place, have predicated any action of mine upon the grant by them of any favor whatever. They cannot afford to be generous or even just. If you can get even that to which you have a clear right, you will do pretty well; but to get it you will have to fight for it.

SOURCE: Edward L. Pierce, Memoir and Letters of Charles Sumner, Vol. 3, p. 290

Senator Charles Sumner to Samuel Gridley Howe, August 11, 1852

Parker is too impatient. If by chance or ignorance of the currents here I have got into the rapids, my friends should not abandon me. In any event, my course is a difficult one. A Hunker politician told me that he thought I assumed a greater responsibility than any other person here. I know this; but I know also my singleness of purpose, and I know that I am in earnest. The 'Atlas' is false when it says I could have made the speech, — utterly false

SOURCE: Edward L. Pierce, Memoir and Letters of Charles Sumner, Vol. 3, p. 291

Senator Charles Sumner to Edward L. Pierce, August 6, 1852

I value your friendship, and am glad of your frankness. From other sources I learn the prevailing distrust with regard to me. Thus far, in the consciousness of absolute rectitude and with a soul that never fears, I have been indifferent to such reports; but they come upon me now to a degree that gives me pain. Believe me, I know my rights and duties here, and shall vindicate the one and perform the other. Thus far in Massachusetts I have not spoken often, but my words have been timely and effective. I trust not to lose this character here. All the Democratic leaders and most of the Whigs desired a hearing for me. Cass, Atchison, Soulé, Bright, Norris, and many others told me so before I tried. My remarks were conceived so as to give them an opportunity of granting me the privilege. But after the call of ayes and noes, and the springing of the rattle from those new Union members, they did not dare to vote for me. It is difficult for people at a distance to understand the scene. Many in ignorance think I did not take the right course, or that I did not maintain my position in the proper way. Here on the spot, familiar with the requirements of the occasion, I am now satisfied that under the circumstances I acted for the best. Had I introduced a bill, I could not have spoken except by unanimous consent. Any single person could have stopped me. My first purpose was to try this; but I finally preferred to throw myself upon the majority, and to compel them to the ignoble position before the country of suppressing debate. This has been done, and they are exposed.

I could not have made my speech on the motion to take up, though Mr. Keyes¹ says otherwise. Mr. Mason says I shall not speak this session, that he will prevent me. I have told him that I will speak, and he cannot prevent me     My purpose is to move an amendment to the civil appropriation, when it gets to the Senate, that no sum shall be applied to the execution of the Fugitive Slave bill, which is hereby repealed, and on this amendment to take the floor as a right. Of course there will be an outcry; it will be called factiousness, and the bill itself may be endangered; but I shall proceed. Do not let this be known publicly. There are several subjects which I had intended to discuss here, but which time will not allow at this session. But no effort shall be spared to obtain a hearing on slavery. Have faith!

_______________

¹ Editor of the Roxbury Gazette.

SOURCE: Edward L. Pierce, Memoir and Letters of Charles Sumner, Vol. 3, p. 291-2

Diary of Private William S. White, September 1, 1862

Left Rapidan Station this morning for some point near Manassas. What a beautiful sight it is to see the long columns of troops fording the stream! Each man seems eager to push on until we reach the goal of our desires, and that is Washington! Nevertheless, I fear greatly that we will never be able to accomplish that, although it is within the range of possibility.

Another great battle has been fought at Manassas, and we have again been victorious. Our troops are rapidly pushing on after the enemy, and it is very probable that we will cross the Potomac into Maryland; then the Marylanders will have a chance to rid their soil of Yankee soldiery, if they desire it.

Marched all day and halted for the night at Culpeper Courthouse; had a drenching rain in the afternoon and slept on the wet ground. All this region of country has been utterly devastated by the vast quantities of troops passing through it. For miles you scarcely see a white inhabitant, and there are not a hundred barrels of corn from Rapidan Station to Manassas. The churches are defiled by the sacrilegious Yankees, who scribble and write all sorts of blasphemous epithets on the walls of buildings consecrated to God.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 127-8

Diary of Private William S. White, September 2, 1862

After a hard day's march through mud and mire we halted at Jeffersonville (or ton), a small, dilapidated village in Culpeper county. Our provision wagon broke down to-day, and will not reach us until to-morrow. We have had nothing to eat since this morning, and, of course, cannot get anything until our wagon reaches us.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 128

Diary of Private William S. White, September 3, 1862

Our wagon reached us this morning and right glad were we to see it. Reached Warrenton, Fauquier county, to-day, and remained there several hours.

This village is crowded with the wounded of the late fights, and the streets present a horrible aspect. About sun-down we moved a few miles from Warrenton and halted for the night.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 128

Diary of Private William S. White, September 4, 1862

Reached Gainsville, Fauquier, about 1 o'clock and as it was a good place for our horses we halted for the night. This village being only some two and a half miles from the battlefield of Manassas, and as I had an abundance of time, I rode over to the battlefield. Oh, what a scene of horror it was! Hundreds and thousands of dead and dying Yankees strewn all over the field—the dead, putrefied and swollen even to bursting, made the air redolent with a smell so nauseous and disgusting that it seemed to thicken the very air. Although nearly a week had passed since the battle, the wounded were still lying on the field, and none were buried save our own men. This seems, at first glance, wholly unchristian, yet one must remember that we are contending against a powerful enemy and for our very existence; therefore, we cannot spare the time to bury the enemy's dead, nor care for his wounded, when all medical stores have been declared "contraband of war" and we are destitute of them. Ten thousand Yankees lie unburied upon the field, and every moment of time is worth millions of money to us. The wounded, we have cared for as well as circumstances would permit, though we are much in want of proper stores for our own men.

General Lee most humanely allowed the Federal Government permission to send an ambulance train from Washington City, attended by proper surgeons, to look after the Federal wounded and give them proper treatment.

I conversed for some time with a citizen of Washington and he seemed very sanguine of the ultimate success of the Federal arms—by this time, however, he has found out how terribly in earnest we are. In this Second Battle of Manassas the positions of both Federal and Confederate armies were almost exactly reversed from that of the First Battle of Manassas of last year, and yet we whipped them again. Our left wing under Stonewall Jackson, swung around upon the Federal right and struck the mighty Pope en reverse before he was aware of the Confederate movement. But, danger of dangers, Lee's army was separated and if Pope could succeed in keeping Longstreet south of Thoroughfare Gap, Jackson would be isolated and would fall an easy prey to the countless thousands of that boasting Army of the Potomac, "the finest army the world ever saw." The vainglorious boaster who had never seen anything but the "backs of his enemies," and whose "head-quarters were in the saddle," was not equal to the emergency and Longstreet quietly and easily drove away the Federal brigade guarding a gap that a corps ought to have held, whilst he, hurried on to join that Achilles of the South, the ever present Jackson, and all the while Fitz John Porter doubting whether or not he must fight or wait. He who doubts loses, the combined corps of Jackson and Longstreet make one grand dash and the dismayed Federals were swept from the field.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, pp. 128-9

Diary of Private William S. White, September 5, 1862

Started this morning at 6 o'clock, and marched to within six miles of Leesburg, where we camped for the night. A portion of our forces have crossed the Potomac, and are now in Maryland; we will cross in a few days.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 129

Diary of Private William S. White, September 6, 1862

Reached Leesburg, Loudon county, to-day and camped near the village; presume we will remain here a few days, in order that our broken down horses may recuperate. We have had only one feed of corn for our horses since we left Rapidan station.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, pp. 129-30

Diary of Private William S. White, September 7, 1862

Left Leesburg this evening at 5 o'clock, crossed the Potomac River and marched eight or ten miles into Frederick county, Maryland.

'Twas a beautiful night; the crystalline waters of the lovely Potomac danced and sparkled in the soft moonbeams of that autumn night, whilst the neighing of horses, the clanging of sabres, the gleaming of muskets, the artillery's rumble, and the merry jest of many a careless soldier, made it a scene ever to be remembered. The "die is cast," the Potomac is crossed, and Maryland is invaded or aided, just as she may see fit to call it. If she fails to join us now, let us hear no more about oppressed Maryland, but let the proud land of the Carrolls, the Howards and the Cecils be known to us of the sunny South no more forever.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 130

Diary of Private William S. White, September 8, 1862

Marched to within four miles of Frederick city; here we have an abundance of food for our half starved horses.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 130

Diary of Private William S. White, September 9, 1862

Remained quiet all day; many of our boys went to Frederick city and remained several hours. According to some reports, the people of Maryland are overjoyed to see our troops, but as I have conversed with only a very few Marylanders, I am not able to judge. Some few recruits have been secured in Frederick city.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 130

Diary of Private William S. White, September 10, 1862

Our battery is hitched up, and we are now awaiting orders to move. Our destination is unknown, but it is thought we will go to Hagerstown. About 5 o'clock we commenced moving slowly along the road to Frederick city. Although many of the houses were closed—this being a strong Union city—yet a goodly number of Southern ladies appeared upon the balconies and at the windows, waving their handkerchiefs and wishing success to our brave troops. Camped near Middletown.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 130

Diary of Private William S. White, September 11, 1862

Passed through the villages of Middletown and Boonsboro'; halted within six miles of Hagerstown. A great many ladies wear the Secession badge, but most of the people seem afraid of us, and seem to look upon our troops as invaders.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, pp. 130-1