Diary of Theodore Parker: November 16, 1859

The insurrection of Capt. Brown excites much attention in America, as well it may. But it is the beginning of the birth-pains of liberty. There is a logic in the history of freedom.

“Its purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.”

SOURCE: John Weiss, Life and correspondence of Theodore Parker, Volume 2, p. 387

Diary of Thomas Ebenezer Thomas: January 10, 1861

The State of Mississippi yesterday seceded from the Union, by 32 to 15 votes in the Convention. Yesterday, also, THE FIRST GUN FIRED in the coming Civil War! The Charleston forts fired on the U. S. Steamer, Star of the West, sent to re-enforce Maj. Anderson at Ft. Sumpter.

May God defend the right, and deliver the oppressed!

SOURCE: Alfred A. Thomas, Editor, Correspondence of Thomas Ebenezer Thomas, p. 109

Amos A. Lawrence to Senator Jefferson Davis, December 22, 1859

Boston, December 22, 1859.

Dear Sir, — I am sorry to see, by a reported speech of yours, that you are among those who have been duped by vile fellows who believe that a large number of decent men in this part of the country are implicated in the affair of Harper's Ferry. Among other names I find my own, and I am the person alluded to as a cotton speculator who employed Brown to do his work. To show you how absurd this whole plan of libel will appear when it is examined, I will state my own case.

1st. I am the son of Amos Lawrence, now deceased, whom you knew, and who brought me up to be a “national” man, as we understand that term. 2d. I have been so decided in my own opposition to the formation of sectional parties, that those who voted for Fillmore in Massachusetts, in 1856, nominated me for governor, but I declined. They have requested me to be a candidate every year since that, and last year I did run against Mr. Banks. 3d. Though largely interested in cotton factories as a shareholder, I never owned a bale of cotton in my life, and never had any business with any person whom I knew as a speculator in cotton. Some years ago I took a great interest in our people who settled in Kansas, many of whom went from Lowell and Lawrence with their families. They were shockingly abused, and if it were not for my wife and seven children at home, I would have taken a more active part in that business. But that has passed long ago; it did not induce me to join the Republicans, though it did most of my friends. I took part with Mr. William Appleton and my relative Mr. F. Pierce in the Faneuil Hall meeting here the other day, and with most of our people am called a “hunker,” and even in Mississippi should be a law and order man. You will do me a favor, if you will prevent my being summoned to Washington on so foolish an errand as to testify about Harper's Ferry.

Respectfully and truly yours,

A. A. L.

SOURCE: William Lawrence, Life of Amos A. Lawrence: With Extracts from His Diary and Correspondence, p. 136-8

Marcus Spring to Mary Ann Day Brown, December 25, 1859

Eagleswood, Perth Amboy, N. J., Dec. 25th, '59.

We shall rejoice to hear all about your plans, especially in regard to the two daughters, whom we hoped it might be found desirable to send here, and even that we might hope to have your whole family somewhere near us. But I suppose the desire of Mr. Brown that you should return to North Elba, and that his remains be buried there, settles that matter with you, for the present, at least.

As regards our proposal in relation to the education of the two daughters, we wish you to consider that we are prepared to pay the amount named ($250) towards it wherever it seems best to you (after full consideration) to place them. Should it be elsewhere than here, the bills have only to be sent to me each quarter and they shall be promptly paid. I am not quite sure but that the $100 subscription of Mr. Birney for the same object was conditioned upon their coming to this school. But possibly he would change the terms if desired, and it was so.

With love and sympathy from us all to all your group.

SOURCE: Lillie Buffum Chace Wyman and Arthur Crawford Wyman, Elizabeth Buffum Chace, 1806-1899: Her Life and Its Environment, Volume 1, p. 352-3

Circular of Caleb Baldwin, May 6, 1861

Council Bluffs, Iowa,

May 6, 1861.

To The Citizens Of Western Iowa.

In order more fully to carry out the desire of the Governor of this State to protect our frontier settlements, I respectfully request that an effort be made to organize at least one military company in each of the western counties of the State, which shall hold itself in readiness for service at any moment there may be occasion therefor.

Each company should be composed of not less than forty, nor more than eighty good loyal citizens.

As soon as the requisite number have volunteered for the purpose of organizing a company, the members thereof will proceed to elect their officers, to whom commissions will be issued.

The rolls of the companies with the names of the officers should be forwarded to Adjutant G. M. Dodge of this city.

Arms will be provided by the Executive of this State at the earliest moment possible for all the companies thus organized.

A thorough military organization in our western counties, with plenty of arms and ammunition, is the best guaranty we can have against invasions from the savages not far from our borders, or for marauding parties whose time for operation is when our citizens are in a defenseless condition, and when our National troubles direct the attention of the Federal Government to other parts.

C. BALDWIN.

SOURCE: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa's War Governor, p. 135-6

Senator James W. Grimes to Elizabeth S. Nealley Grimes, July 22, 1861

Washington, July 22, 1861.

Yesterday I was on the field of battle. No one can have a proper conception of its horror. Our army was totally routed, with immense destruction of life on both sides. I was not much exposed, except to capture, which I escaped by less than a minute. I have witnessed the last battle-field, certainly the last I shall visit voluntarily. I cannot picture its horrible details, but will tell you of them, if I can.

SOURCE: William Salter, The Life of James W. Grimes, p. 146-7

John Brown to his Family, August 23, 1855

Chicago, Ill., Aug. 23, 1855.

Dear Wife And Children, Every One, — I see that Henry has given you so full a history of our matters that I have but little to say now, but to add that we start from here this morning, all well. We have a nice young horse, for which we paid here $120, but have so much load that we shall have to walk a good deal — enough probably to supply ourselves with game. We have provided ourselves with the most of what we need on our outward march. If you get this on Tuesday and answer it on Wednesday, some of you directing on the outside to Oliver, at Rock Island, Ill., we should probably get your answer there. Oliver's name is not so common as cither Henry's or mine. We shall write you often, and hope you will do so by us. You may direct one to Oliver at Kansas City, Mo., as we may go there, and shall be very glad to hear from you. Write us soon at Osawatomie, Kansas, and may God Almighty bless you all!

Your affectionate husband and father,

John Brown.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 199

Diary of Major Rutherford B. Hayes: Friday, August 9, 1861

The colonel is out of humor with Lieutenant Rice for letting men on guard go to their tents to sleep and scolds him severely in the presence of his men. A little less grumbling and more instruction would improve the regiment faster. The men are disconcerted whenever the colonel approaches; they expect to be pitched into about something. A good man, but impatient and fault-finding; in short, he is out of health, nervous system out of order. Would he had sound health, and all would go well. He gives no instruction either in drill or other military duties but fritters away his time on little details which properly belong to clerks and inferior officers. —  Begun to rain at noon, refreshing rather.

Our men returning from Sutton report our right wing under Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews gone on to Summersville. Also that a party in ambush fired on two companies of Colonel Lytle's regiment, killing one and wounding four. This sort of murder must be stopped. The colonel is busy issuing passes to citizens, the patrol or picquets having been ordered to stop all persons travelling on the roads without passes. This must be a great annoyance to the inhabitants. Is there enough benefit to be gained for all the hate we shall stir up by it?

The mother of our adjutant at Camp Chase seeing a boy walking up and down on his sentinel's beat took pity on him, sent him out a glass of wine and a piece of cake with a stool to sit on while he ate and drank. She told him not to keep walking so, to sit down and rest! She also advised him to resign!

More rumors of the approach of Lee with fifteen thousand men to attack our forces at Buchanan [Buckhannon]. Lieutenant Reichenbach with his party of twenty men marched yesterday twenty-eight miles and today, by noon, fifteen miles.

Joe Holt* makes the best war speeches of any man in the land. It always braces my nerves and stirs my heart when I read them. At Camp Joe Holt, near Louisville, he said: “Since the sword flamed over the portals of Paradise until now, it has been drawn in no holier cause than that in which you are engaged.”

_______________

* Joseph Holt, born in Breckinridge County, Kentucky, January 6, 1807; died in Washington, August 1, 1894. Famous as a jurist and an orator. He was Postmaster-General in Buchanan's Cabinet for a time and in 1860, when John B. Flood [sic] resigned, he became Secretary of War. He was a vigorous Union man, urging his fellow Kentuckians “to fly to the rescue of their country before it is everlastingly too late.” In September, 1862, President Lincoln appointed him Judge-Advocate General of the army, in which capacity he served long with great distinction.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 60-1

Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Mead, February 21, 1864

In Camp, February 21, 1864.

I returned from Washington to-day, very much fatigued and worn out with two days passed in that place. I reached there Friday about 2 P. M., and immediately went to the Department, where I stayed till 6 P. M., returned to the hotel, dined, and spent the evening with Mr. Odell, member of Congress, and Judge Harris. The next day, Saturday, I was with General Halleck till 3 P. M., when I went out to Georgetown and saw Margaret.¹ I ought to have mentioned that before going to see Margaret, I stopped at the President's, where Mrs. Lincoln was holding a levee, and spent a half-hour. I also ought to have stated that the evening before, after leaving Judge Harris, I was persuaded by Mr. Harding and Cortlandt Parker to go to Speaker Colfax's reception, where I was a great lion, Mr. Colfax himself turning usher and bringing every man and woman in the room to introduce to me. All this going about, sitting up late at night and standing so much, had its effect on me, wearying and fatiguing me so that I was very glad to get back to-day.

The army is overrun with women. There is to be a grand ball to-morrow at the headquarters of the Second Corps, and I believe half of Washington is coming down to attend. I expected the Secretary of the Interior and his lady to come down with me to-day, but he did not come to the cars. As the ball is nearly five miles from my headquarters, I don't think I shall have the courage to go. I don't mind the going, but it is the coming back which is so unpleasant.

_______________

¹ Sister of General Meade.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 166-7

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Eliza Walter Smith, January 1, 1865

Near Paducah, January 1, 1865.

My Dear Mother:

I am waiting to coal and for a convoy and soon shall be with my command, I hope. I am mortified to learn here, within a few moments, that Hood has succeeded with the remnant of his army in crossing the Tennessee upon the shoals; we disabled two of his guns and captured a portion of his pontoons, but for a while he has escaped, and this may materially disarrange the plan of our campaign.

The weather continues very pleasant, and we are well provided with food.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 374-5

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, October 30, 1863

We had a downpour of rain last night which continued most of the day. Our camp is flooded, the dry run beside it having become a raging torrent, and our camp ground is under water from one to four feet. Some of the boys put all their belongings on their bunks and others left for higher grounds.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 150

Diary of Private Charles H. Lynch: December 10, 1863

Left camp early this morning. Passed through Martinsburg, going east, bound for Charlestown. Weather good. After a march of about eight miles, came to a halt at Leestown for rest and rations. Again on the march, forded the Opequan Creek. Not very pleasant at this time of year. Soldiers must not stop for wet feet. Pushing on. After a march of about eighteen miles we reached the town of Charlestown, Virginia, eight miles south of Harper's Ferry, just after dark, tired. Took possession of an old church for our quarters, the weather growing colder. No place for a fire. Trying to make ourselves comfortable for the night.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 30-1

13th Ohio Cavalry

Organized by a consolidation of 4th and 5th Battalions Cavalry, and mustered in May 5, 1864. Left State for Annapolis, Md., May 11, thence moved to White House Landing, Va., May 18. Attached to 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 9th Army Corps, Army Potomac, June 8 to August 10, 1864. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 9th Army Corps, to December 10. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, to May, 1865. Sub-District of the Appomattox, District of the Nottaway, Dept. of Virginia, to August, 1865.

SERVICE.--At Washington, D.C., May 14-18, 1864. March to White House Landing May 18, and duty there till June. Moved to Cold Harbor, Va. Operations about Cold Harbor June 6-12. Before Petersburg June 16-19. Siege operations against Petersburg and Richmond, Va., June 16, 1864, to April 2, 1865. Mine Explosion July 30, 1864, Weldon Railroad August 18-21. Poplar Springs Church September 29-October 2. Vaughan and Squirrel Level Road October 8. Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher's Run, October 27-28. Equipped for Cavalry services December 12. Dabney's Mills, Hatcher's Run, February 5-7, 1865. Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9. Dinwiddie Court House March 30-31. Five Forks April 1. Fall of Petersburg April 2. Amelia Springs April 5. Sailor's Creek and Harper's Farm April 6. Farmville April 7. Appomattox Court House April 9. Surrender of Lee and his army. Expedition to Danville to cooperate with Gen. Sherman April 23-29. Assigned to provost duty in Amelia and Powhatan Counties till August 10. Mustered out August 10, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 4 Officers and 61 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 51 Enlisted men by disease. Total 117.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1479-80

Charles Russell Lowell to Anna Cabot Jackson Lowell, June 30, 1860

Burlington, June 30, ’60.

It is interesting, is it not, to see Seward's “irrepressible conflict” so speedily illustrated at Baltimore. The quadrangular fight may result in the election of the worst man of the eight, General Lane of Oregon; but I hope that Lincoln will make a good enough run to prevent the choice going to the House or Senate. The Republican party is now so old that its followers have fallen into line, — and many will now vote for the candidate who four years ago would have gone for Douglas, had he stood in his present attitude towards the South. The wisdom in selecting Lincoln is now apparent, — a man from any other section of the country would have stood no chance in the Northwest against Douglas, whose personal popularity is immense.

SOURCE: Edward Waldo Emerson, Life and Letters of Charles Russell Lowell, p. 190-1

Captain Robert Gould Shaw to Sarah Blake Sturgis Shaw, March 17, 1863

March 17, 1863.

The regiment continues to flourish. Yesterday we had some officers out to take a look at the men. They all went away very much pleased. Some were very sceptical about it before, but say now that they shall have no more doubt of negroes' making good soldiers.

SOURCE: Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Editor, Harvard Memorial Biographies, Volume 2, p. 203

Senator William P. Fessenden to his Cousin, December 24, 1859

Are you not afraid, my dear cousin, that I shall be “upsot” with all that is said about me in reference to the presidency? I send you a specimen: They say here that my chances are much better than those of anybody else. But do not be alarmed. I am not deceived, or elated, in the least. Positively I do not wish for it, and tell everybody that no one can do me so much injury in any way as by mentioning my name — and I believe that people are satisfied of my sincerity. The truth is, I am tired of all such subjects, and sometimes feel as if I would resign and go home.

SOURCE: Francis Fessenden, Life and Public Services of William Pitt Fessenden, Volume 1, p. 112-3

Governor Samuel J. Kirkwook to Caleb Baldwin, April 25, 1861

Executive Office.

April 25, 1861.

Hon. Caleb Baldwin, Council Bluffs, Iowa:

Dear Sir: — I hand you herewith blank commission for military companies in the western part of the State. Please fill them up and deliver them to the officers elected by companies organized under your direction. I am informed some uneasiness exists on the western frontier lest the border counties suffer from attacks by Indians, or lawless men from Missouri. There are not now any arms to send there except about fifty muskets that will be sent at once. The people should organize as minute men, and arm themselves with private arms as best they can. I authorize you to make such arrangements as you may think the safety of the border requires in the way of organizing and of perfecting a system of communication with each other in case of need. You are also authorized to call any of these companies into service, if in your judgment the public safety requires, and continue them in service as long as the necessity may require. If they are called on to act against Indians, they had better act as mounted men. From necessity I leave the whole matter in your discretion, confident that you will in all respects act with due regard to the safety of the frontier, and the public interest. In case you are compelled to call out any of the companies let me know at once. I will recommend to the General Assembly the payment of the men for any time they may be in actual service under your direction.

Very truly,

SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD

SOURCE: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa's War Governor, p. 134

Senator James W. Grimes to Elizabeth S. Nealley Grimes, June 23, 1861

HillSBorougH, N. H., June 23, 1861.

You cannot, perhaps, comprehend the depression of my spirits while I am here. I feel as though I were spending my time among the tombs, and long to have the morning come that I may start away. All about me are memorials of the past, mementoes of friends lost, and very few cheerful faces known to me. People are as much excited about the war in this region as elsewhere. Every one asks me, when will a battle take place, and when will the war cease, as though I knew any more on the subject than others. I am just going to church; I know that information will please you.

SOURCE: William Salter, The Life of James W. Grimes, p. 141

Oliver Brown to Mary Ann Day Brown, August 8, 1855

Rockford, Winnebago County, Ill., Aug. 8 [1855].

Dear Mother, — I just received yours of the 31st, and also of the 1st, and was very much pleased to hear that you were all well. I also received letters from father and Ruth at the same time, which I was very glad to get; but I much more expected to see father than to hear from him. My health is very good at present, but has been very poor for a week or ten days back. I am working now for a man named Goodrich, getting $1.50 per day, which I have to earn, every cent of it. I never worked so hard before. I am quite sorry to hear that you are likely to have rather tough times of it for a year to come. Was I certain that father would not be distressed for money when he gets here, I would send you enough to buy another cow; but I think we must try and see what we can do for you when we get to Kansas. Have written to Salmon twice, but have received no answer as yet. My shirts hold out very well so far, but I think the ones you were going to send by father will come in play in course of the season. I very much hope to see Alexis Hinkley with him. Should much like to have Watson with us, but do not see that it is possible. I hope to see you all in Kansas in the course of a year or two. It has been very dry here, but crops look very well. I received that receipt for cholera medicine, and went at once and got the whole dose mixed up. I do not think of more at present, so please all write me soon; and Wat. you must spur up about writing, and Anna too.

From your affectionate son,

Oliver Brown.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 198

Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, August 8, 1861

Weston, Virginia, August 8, 1861.

Dear Uncle: — I am glad to learn by a letter from Mother that you are getting well enough to ride about town. I hope you will continue to gain. If you should want to take a short trip this fall, I am not sure but a journey this way would be as enjoyable as any you could make. By getting a note from Governor Dennison, you could travel on railroad (now run by the Government) to Clarksburg, and thence, there are all sorts of conveyances, from a teetering ambulance to an old-fashioned Pennsylvania six-horse waggon.

Our regiment is divided for the present. One half under Colonel Matthews has gone forty-four miles south. We remain in charge of a great supply depot, and charged with keeping in order the turbulent of this region. The Union men are the most numerous, but the other side is the more wealthy and noisy. We are kept busy enough with them.

This town is about as large as Fremont was ten years ago, has a fine court-house and other county buildings. A lunatic asylum for the State of great size was building when the war broke out. It is a healthy hilly country, very picturesque, and hotter today than the Cincinnati landing. We are so busy that we do not complain much of the tediousness of camp life. We are now constantly hearing of the approach of General Lee from eastern Virginia with a force large enough to drive us out and capture all our stores, if one-fourth that is told is true. He is said to be about seventy-five miles southeast of us in the mountains. Whether there is truth in it or not, I have no doubt that troops will be urged into this region to hold the country. At any rate, as it is on the route to east Tennessee, and on a route to cut off the railroads from the southwest, I am sure there ought to be a splendid Union army assembled here. I suppose it will be done.

Lucy and the boys are in Pickaway County. Dr. Jim was taken prisoner at Manassas, but escaped; lost his carpet-sack, but captured a secession horse which he brought home. Dr. Joe enjoys it well. Colonel Scammon is an agreeable gentleman to associate with. We have a great deal of amusement. Dr. Joe visits the secession folks, and reports a great many good things. They say that in two weeks they will see us scattering like sheep before the great army of Lee and Wise.

When you write, direct to me, “Twenty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteers, Clarksburg, Virginia,” and it will be sent wherever I may chance to be. We are now connected by telegraph with the whole country. A dispatch to or from Weston, is more certain of delivery than a letter. Love to all.

Sincerely,

R. B. Hayes.

S. BlRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 58-60