Diary of Sarah Morgan: Thursday, September 10, 1863

O my prophetic soul! part of your forebodings are already verified! And in what an unpleasant way!

Day before yesterday an English officer, not the one who came here, but one totally unknown to me, said at Mrs. Peirce's he was going to visit the Confederate prisoners. He was asked if he knew any. Slightly, he said; but he was going this time by request; he had any quantity of messages to deliver to Colonel from Miss Sarah Morgan. “How can that be possible, since you are not acquainted with her?” Ada demanded. He had the impudence to say that the young lady I have already mentioned had requested him to deliver them for her, since she found it impossible. Fortunately for me, I have two friends left. Feeling the indelicacy of the thing, and knowing that there must be some mistake that might lead to unpleasant consequences, Ada and Marie, my good angels, insisted on hearing the messages. At first he refused, saying that they were entrusted to him confidentially; but being assured that they were really intimate with me, whereas the other was a perfect stranger, and that I would certainly not object to their hearing what I could tell a gentleman, he yielded, fortunately for my peace of mind, and told all.

I can't repeat it. I was too horrified to hear all, when they told me. What struck me as being most shocking was my distorted explanation about the letters. It now set forth that I was not allowed to write myself, but would be happy to have him write to me; then there was an earnest assurance that my feelings toward him had not changed in the least —

Here I sprang from my chair and rushed to the window for a breath of air, wringing my hands in speechless distress. How a word more or less, an idea omitted or added, a syllable misplaced, can transform a whole sentence, and make what was before harmless, really shocking!

And if it had not been for Ada and Marie —! Blessed angels! they entreated him not to deliver any of his messages, insisting that there must be a mistake, that if he knew me he would understand that it was impossible for me to have sent such a message by a stranger. And although at first he declared he felt obliged to discharge the task imposed on him, they finally succeeded in persuading him to relinquish the errand, promising to be responsible for the consequences.

“Ah me!” I gasped last night, making frantic grimaces in the dark, and pinching myself in disgust, “why can't they let me alone? . . . O women — women! I wish he could marry all of you, so you would let me alone! Take him, please; but en grâce don't disgrace me in the excitement of the race!”

SOURCE: Sarah Morgan Dawson, A Confederate Girl's Diary, p. 413-5

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: August 20, 1862

We have now a solution of the secret of Pope's familiarity with the country. His guide and pilot is the identical Robt. Stewart who was sent here to the Provost Marshal — a prisoner. How did he get out? They say money did it.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 150

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: August 21, 1862

Some apprehensions are felt by a few for the safety of this city, as it is supposed that all the troops have been withdrawn. This is not so, however. From ten to fifteen thousand men could be concentrated herein twenty-four hours. Richmond is not in half the danger that Washington is.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 150

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: August 22, 1862

Saw Vice-President Stephens to day, as cordial and enthusiastic as ever.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 150

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: August 23, 1862

Members of Congress are coming to my office every day, getting passports for their constituents. Those I have seen (Senator Brown, of Mississippi, among the rest) express a purpose not to renew the act, to expire on the 18th September, authorizing martial law.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 150

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: August 24, 1862

In both Houses of Congress they are thundering away at Gen. Winder's Provost Marshal and his Plug Ugly alien policemen. Senator Brown has been very bitter against them.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 150

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: August 25, 1862

Mr. Russell has reported a bill which would give us martial law in such a modified form as to extract its venom.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 150

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Sunday, February 14, 1864

Clear and chilly but very little wind; fields and woods in front of the line to-day all on fire. A squadron of Cavalry has been out on a scout to-day and captured Billy Scott and two or three of his comrades. He is a noted guerilla. It is also reported that our cavalry ran onto the enemy in force. We are ordered to be on the alert this evening; no countersign.

SOURCE: Lemuel Abijah Abbott, Personal Recollections and Civil War Diary, 1864, p. 18-9

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Monday, February 15, 1864

A chilly, cloudy morning but no wind; probably will snow before night. At 10 p. m. was ordered by Capt. H. R. Steele to take my command up to the reserve as soon as possible as the Johnnies were advancing in eight (whew!) different lines: think the man who reports this must be troubled with C. W. (commissary whiskey); arrived in camp at 4 p. m.; snowed all the afternoon. But what's become of the eight lines of C. W.?

SOURCE: Lemuel Abijah Abbott, Personal Recollections and Civil War Diary, 1864, p. 19

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Tuesday, February 16, 1864

Cloudy with a furious wind — in fact one of the most terrific gales of the winter — so piercing it's impossible to keep warm in our huts; have called on Mrs. G. E. Davis and Mrs. Ezra Stetson. All hands have been to prayer meeting this evening but me, and I have been studying; am stopping with Captain Samuel Darrah now; wind still high.

SOURCE: Lemuel Abijah Abbott, Personal Recollections and Civil War Diary, 1864, p. 19

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Wednesday, February 17, 1864

Clear and intensely cold, with high wind; have been studying in Dr. Almon Clark's quarters to-day; had a mock court-martial this evening at the chapel to entertain the ladies; sat up with Lieut. C. G. Newton till 1 a. m. Lieut. H. H. Dewey left for home this morning; no wind to-night, but very cold.

SOURCE: Lemuel Abijah Abbott, Personal Recollections and Civil War Diary, 1864, p. 19

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Thursday, February 18, 1864

Very cold but less wind than yesterday; had our monthly inspection this forenoon at ten o'clock; received no letter from home to-night. Dr. W. A. Child and wife have called this evening. He is a very bright, polished gentleman, but I am afraid of him; probably because he is older than I am; have been studying at Dr. Almon Clark's again to-day; wind abated but cold to-night.

SOURCE: Lemuel Abijah Abbott, Personal Recollections and Civil War Diary, 1864, p. 20

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: August 28, 1864

Left Halltown and the earthworks very early this morning, following on after the rebel hordes who are under the command of General Jubal Early. We are pleased to be under the command of the Gallant Phil Sheridan. There will come a time when he will grab Early by the neck, we believe. Came to a halt at Charlestown. Again on the march, going southward through woodland and across fields. Judging by the roar of the field guns and musketry firing in the direction of Winchester, our boys have overtaken the enemy. We came to a halt in the woods. Ordered to remain here for the night. Weather fine. Our marching record for today about eight miles.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 118

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: August 29, 1864

Called up very early this morning after a quiet night. We are about four miles south of Charlestown. Heavy cannonading in the direction of Winchester, which lies about ten miles southwest of Charlestown. All is quiet with us as we rest and sleep. Rations are good and plenty. Consist of hardtack, pork, coffee, sugar. Report reaches us that our boys are in possession of Winchester. Weather fine. Taking life easy in these woods.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 118

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: August 30, 1864

This fine morning finds us in the woods. We need this rest and sleep that we are having at this time. This is fine timber land. Great large trees, mostly white oak and black walnut. We are enjoying this very quiet time. Very thankful for it.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 118

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: August 31, 1864

Camp in the woods. Called up very early. Our regiment detailed for picket duty. We advance towards the west, near Smithfield and the Opequon Creek. A strong picket line maintained. While everything is quiet with us, must keep a good lookout. Cannot tell what an hour may bring forth. We have been in the service for over two years on this the last day in August.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 119

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: June 1, 1862

Wrote a line home. Marched south at 7. Went forward with Colonel Salomon and Adj. Ninth Wisconsin to find camping ground. Indian trading post. Several Indian graves. Cold day, drizzly rain. Enjoyed the trip well. 25 miles, Humboldt.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 16

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: June 2, 1862

Passed a Catholic Mission for Indians. Very good conveniences. Many children. Three or four buildings. Stopped often to graze. Passed through a good country. Good oak and hickory timber. Passed an Indian village — Osages. Encamped upon a good plat of grass along the Neosho. After supper went to the river and bathed. Received invoice of provisions from “Buckshot.”

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 16

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: June 3, 1862

Arose at 4 A. M. First Battalion off at 5 to join Doubleday, 35 miles. Loaded provisions from citizens to mule teams. Infantry, as usual got the start, artillery next. Had a pleasant march. Long time crossing the Lightning Creek. Narrow roads for the wagons through the woods. Grazed often. Encamped with Ninth Wisconsin on the banks of Cherry Creek. Artillery crossed and camped. Issued beef. Rained in the afternoon. Slept out in the open air. Several officers and men tight. McMurray.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 16

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Wednesday, June 4, 1862

Wednesday. Reveille at 3:30 A. M. Breakfast and under way at 6 A. M. After riding ten miles, troops rested. Lieutenant Lisering of Doubleday's staff met us with the news that Col. Salomon had been made brigadier and Col. Weir of the Tenth Kansas had the command of the expedition. All seemed astonished. Lt. Colonel said, “the news rather surprised him.” Considerable sensation. Crossed the Neosho and encamped near the rest of the troops. A very pretty situation for a camp. A range of hills, overlooking large valley and woods.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 16-7