APRIL 27th.—Another bright and beautiful day; and vegetation is springing with great rapidity. But nearly all my potatoes, corn, egg-plants, and tomatoes seem to have been killed by the frosts of March. I am replanting corn, lima beans, etc. The other vegetables are growing well. One of my fig-bushes was killed—that is, nearly all the branches. The roots live.

It is rumored that the armies on the Rapidan were drawn up in line.

The enemy have again evacuated Suffolk.

Gen. Beauregard is at Weldon. Perhaps Burnside may hurl his blows against North Carolina.

Food is still advancing in price; and unless relief comes from some quarter soon, this city will be in a deplorable condition. A good many fish, however, are coming in, and shad have fallen in price to $12 per pair.

The government ordered the toll of meal here (which the miller, Crenshaw, sold to the people) to be taken for the army; but Col. Northrop, Commissary-General, opposes this; and it is to be hoped, as usual, he may have his way, in spite of even the President. These papers pass through the hands of the Secretary of War.

The French ships have gone down the river, without taking much tobacco; said to have been ordered away by the United States Government.

Col. W. M. Browne (the President’s English A.D.C.), it is said, goes to Georgia as commandant of conscripts for that State. It is probable he offended some one of the President’s family, domestic or military. The people had long been offended by his presence and arrogance.

The Enquirer, to-day, has a communication assaulting Messrs. Toombs and Stephens, and impeaching their loyalty. The writer denounced the Vice-President severely for his opposition to the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. During the day the article was sent to Mr. Secretary Seddon, with the compliments of Mr. Parker—the author, I suppose.

April 27th. Camp Hill, Bolivar Heights, near Harper’s Ferry. Broke camp. I am detailed to go by train with regimental baggage, to load and unload and also to guard it. The regiment on the march. By noontime we had the baggage loaded and the train under way, which makes a good run. On arrival baggage was unloaded. Put up tent near railroad station. Must wait for the regiment. Called on the German people who did my washing and mending whenever we were in this vicinity. Mrs. Shults invited me to remain and have supper with the family. Such invitations did not come very often, but I accepted and enjoyed it.

April, Wednesday 27, 1864

Tate and Nannie started to Memphis very early this morning, got back home without any trouble, and Tate was fortunate enough to get a permit, and kind enough to me, to bring what few things I had to me. No news, except they are just reallizing the terrible thrashing they received in La.

Maj. Crump went to the woods this morning, did not come in again until late this evening. Laura and I have been very buisy all day cleaning and arranging my room for summer, I had a splendid bath, and enjoyed it very much. The day has been so warm and disagreeable, tried one of my new white wrappers, first change of the season—Two of Henderson’s Scouts came here after dark, Mr. Benson and Alexander, got their supper and fed their horses—did not stay long, sent a bundle of papers and letters to Capt. Henderson by them. Four soldiers came in after Tea—the same who broke up the abandoned farm, (Ball’s) Saturday night, and I think they are on such an errand tonight, did not stay long, only until the storm passed over—Yanks—three passed this evening, did not stop. All my household quiet in slumber—

Tuesday, 26th–We stopped at Centralia this morning for breakfast, and arrived at Cairo about 5 o’clock in the evening. Our regiment received new tents, and marching up the Ohio, we went with our non-veteran comrades into camp just above Cairo. There are about twenty thousand troops in camp at this place, and a large expedition is being fitted out here, to start in a few days, but there is no certainty as to where it is going.^[1] Most of the Seventeenth Army Corps is camped here awaiting orders. It is being reorganized and fitted out with Springfield rifles and cartridge boxes.

[1] The expedition was fitted out for the campaign against Atlanta, under the command of General Sherman.—A. G. D.

A Trip through the Chesapeake and Albemarle Canal.

April 26. The surrender of Plymouth, N. C, and death of Flusser caused consternation at Roanoke island, lest the dreaded Albemarle should make them a visit. On the 22d we were ordered to the succor of that island. Embarking on board a large double-ender boat, we left Portsmouth in the afternoon and proceeded up the river, going past the Gosport navy yard, where could be seen the burned and sunken hulks of the U. S. vessels which were destroyed at the surrender of Norfolk and the navy yard at the beginning of the war. We kept on up the river till towards night, when we entered the canal. The boat was a little too wide for the canal and our progress was slow.

About midnight we came to a station, having made but a few miles of our journey. There we found our Brooklyn friends who were doing picket duty. They were right glad to see us and kept us busy answering questions about their old home, which they were beginning to despair of ever seeing again. After an hour’s stop we resumed our journey. We had not gone far when the port wheel fouled with a stump, so that we could neither go ahead nor back off. This caused a delay of about two hours, as cutting out floats by the light of a lantern is a slow job. A mile or so further on a similar accident happened. This time they went to work cutting out the stump which was of considerable size, and took with a large amount of swearing, until after daylight to get clear. The port wheel had now acquired a provoking habit of foaling with all the stumps-and snags along the bank, and not until late in the afternoon of the 23d did we come out to a lake, sound, bay, or at any rate a large sheet of water, which we crossed, and just before night again entered the canal. [continue reading…]

APRIL 26th.—Another truly fine spring day.

The ominous silence on the Rapidan and Rappahannock continues still. The two armies seem to be measuring each other’s strength before the awful conflict begins.

It is said the enemy are landing large bodies of troops at Yorktown.

Major-Gen. Ransom has been assigned to the command of this department; and Gen. Winder’s expectations of promotion are blasted. Will he resign? I think not.

The enemy’s accounts of the battle on the Red River do not agree with the reports we have.

Neither do the Federal accounts of the storming of Fort Pillow agree with ours.

April 26th. Marching orders received. Ordered to report at Martinsburg. Now under General Sigel, who has been put in command of all the forces in the Shenandoah Valley, for an advance up the valley.

April, Tuesday 26, 1864

I arose very early this morning, Father was not willing I should go over the creek, went over to Mr. Farrer’s to tell Miss Annie Perdue so she would make other arrangements about sending for them. I was so distressed to think she must be so disapointed , and I did not get to see her again. No Yankees out on our road today, all very quiet until this eve. We were all very much excited, surprised & happy to see Maj. Crump, he is just from Jackson, Tenn, where Gens. Forrest and Chalmers still have their Hd. Qts. Lee’s Cavalry have gone to Ala. to check the raid advancing by way of Decatur—John Hildebrand and Henry Nelson came down and spent the evening with us—John Hildebrand beat me badly at Chess again—we have had a very pleasant  evening with our Rebel friends, in spite of Yankee visits—

Father retired very early, all left the Parlor except Maj. Crump and Helen. Poor child, may God shield her from all dark clouds, oh! may she never feel or know the anguish which has been mine. God grant them a happy and peaceful union.

Tip is still quite sick, Laura and the Goslins have retired,—my poor lost Beulah, I wonder where she is tonight—and me, poor miserable being – oh! heavenly Father, have mercy and brighten my lonely life—

Monday, 25th–And still it is raining! Reveille sounded at 5 o’clock this morning and we strapped on our knapsacks and all accouterments, and at 7 o’clock marched to the station, where we boarded the cars and started for Cairo.

We bade old Iowa farewell, perhaps never to return, for in the course of the coming events it is improbable that all will get back, but if the Lord is willing, I hope that we may be spared to return again. Crossing the Mississippi at 8 o’clock, we arrived at La Salle about noon and changed cars—exchanged fine coaches on the Rock Island for rather poor ones over the Illinois Central. Leaving La Salle at 3 o’clock we passed through Bloomington at dark, soon after which many of us took berths for the night. This morning just before leaving Davenport, I sent $50.00, my bounty money, to father by Solomon Lichtenwalter, who had come to Davenport to see us off. I then borrowed $5.00 of Thomas Armstrong, to run me till next pay day.

April 25.—Our family in statu quo. The country in great excitement. We have lately had a splendid little victory at Plymouth, North Carolina. We have also had successes in Florida, at Shreveport, and other places in the South and South-west. The God of battles is helping us, or how could we thus succeed? This city is quite excited by Mr. Memminger having ordered off the Note-signing Department, consisting entirely of ladies, to Columbia, South Carolina. It has caused much distress, for many of them, whose living depends on the salary, can’t possibly go. Mothers cannot leave their children, nor wives their husbands. No one seems to understand the motive which prompted the order. It seems to be very arbitrary. It is thought by some persons that all the departments will be ordered off. I trust not; for I, among many others, would be obliged to resign, and I cannot imagine how we would live without the salary. I see no reason to believe that any such move is intended, and I will not be unhappy about it. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

The enemy threatens Richmond, and is coming against it with an immense army. They boast that they can and will have it this summer; but, with the help of God, we hope to drive them back again. Our Government is making every effort to defeat them. I don’t think that any one doubts our ability to do it; but the awful loss of life necessary upon the fights is what we dread.

April 25th

       Mr Grimball went down after his business and took a severe cold, returned & was ill, Dr Kenedy attending, he recovered very slowly. Berkley came up on sick furlough, boils on his leg, was with us 15 days, the Dr ordered generous diet, we did our best & he returned & is now better. Mr Grimball went at the same time to pay a visit to Mr Finley at Aiken, who wished him to stay with him a month, they met William coming up on sick furlough 30 days, an attack of Jaundice, while he was with us Lewis arrived from Dalton, a furlough of 20 days, we enjoyed their visits very much. There was a severe snow storm in March which destroyed the Peach Crop & injured the gardens. Mr Aiken wrote to Mr Grimball in answer to a letter from him proposing to stay with him a few days while in Charleston, saying he would always be glad to see him, that his furniture had been removed from Jehossee & placed at the Grove for safe Keeping.—Mr G. went to Aiken, hoping to locate himself there, but provisions are so high, property too, that he gave it up.—The winters here are so long & cold, but at this place we have had wood free of charge. The Council is to meet here on the 10 May, & John Elliott is invited to stay with us, we shall find it difficult to make him comfortable. In the matter of food things are so dear & so scarce. The tidings from New York conveyed in a letter from Nannie Morris to Charlotte of Mrs Zobrisky’s death is a distress to all of us, she was so amiable & nice a person. Mrs Barnwell died of consumption in Sumter brought on by anxiety at being in Charleston during the impending attack, a dreadful loss to her children, Ann who had married Mr Nowel, died soon after her marriage. Mr Barnwell has been so taken up with running after the negroes that he has quite lost sight of the health of his family.—

       The Juno a Government vessel was lost at sea, and it is supposed all on board. Phil Porcher commanded her, the pride & solace of his parents. Lewis writes word he is better, stationed at Resaca more comfortably than at the other Camp. We hear some times from John, he sent a box of things to us from England, got Charles to attend to them for him, who being ordered off to command the Florida left the commission to Mr Trapman who is living there & his wife. The box has arrived in Wilmington among the fortunate few not thrown out of the vessel, the Thistle, which got aground getting into Wilmington. Mr Kops has kindly seen about it for us, the duties are to be paid in Gold. Mr G. wrote to Mr Robertson to get him to advance the money, & he would pay it in July. – I hope we may get the box, for we really want the things, and John sent them, the dear, good child. The prices are very high Corn is $10 per bushel, Peas dito, butter $4 per lb, Beef $2 per lb, Pork dito.

       The taxes are so high the old currency is cut off 1 third, so for us the times are very tight, until July there is hardly any money to live on. We fortunately have Corn to last during the summer. Mr Kirkland, the Methodist Preacher kindly helped us to get that $4 per bushel. We paid for 100 bushels of Corn in Barnwell & we got it up here at the depot from the Government supply they taking that quantity below.—

       Mr Kirkland died about 4 weeks since of cold, got on his Circuit, a very good man, I feel that we have lost a friend.

       Mrs Tompson had her house burned down a few days since in broad day & lost nearly every thing, her store of flour & Bacon & Corn & much furniture & clothing. She lived in this neighborhood, we had often seen her but she did not visit us, I am very sorry for her.

       Anna Frost invited the girls to come out to them on Friday to an evening party in honor of their brother’s wedding. He married Miss Walker of the Asylum, they are to stay until Sunday morning.—Gabriella & Elizabeth are going, these two are learning German & find it very hard.

       This morning received a letter from Arnoldus Vanderhorst informing me he had sent our box to Columbia, we may then soon get it.—

April, Monday 25, 1864

        Father went first thing this morning to see if he could not hear something more about those thieving Yankees,—could not hear whether the Confederate squad gained anything or not—they went down to poor old Mr. Isbell’s and beat him nearly to death because he would not show them the way to the plank road. Father and Mr. Madden went down there this evening to see him, a squad of Yankees passed, only two came in to get some buttermilk. Luce was one, we told him how those had acted yesterday, he reported it to the Officer, and Father said they stoped at Mr. Isbell’s and enquired very particularly about it, and said he would have the men arrested. Miss Annie Perdue, Sister and Bro. all sent through the lines today, banished. Washburn countermanded Hurlbut’s order and sent them by land, instead of River. Miss Annie came over to see us, and get me to go over the creek for her. Father is rather afraid, but I will try it in the morning—though I expect not, Father has just left my room, and says he is afraid for me to go—I am so unhappy about the trouble I have got in—oh! what is to become of me, what is my fate to be—A poor miserable exile—

Poor Tip is very sick, and I am very much afraid she is going to die—the Goslins are well, Laura and I complete my lonely little household—

APRIL 25th.—A bright and beautiful day; southern breezes.

No reliable war news; but there are rumors that our victory at Shreveport was a great one. Nothing additional from North Carolina, though something further must soon occur there. It is said the enemy’s killed and wounded at Plymouth amounted to only 100: ours 300; but we got 2500 prisoners.

President Lincoln has made a speech at Baltimore, threatening retaliation for the slaughter at Fort Pillow—which was stormed.

Lieut.-Gen. Polk telegraphs that our forces have captured and burnt one of the enemy’s gun-boats at Yazoo City—first taking out her guns, eight rifled 24-pounders.

To-day Mr. Memminger, in behalf of the ladies in his department, presented a battle-flag to the Department Battalion for its gallant conduct in the repulse of Dahlgren’s raid. But the ladies leave early in the morning for South Carolina.

The President still says that many of the government officers and employees must be sent away, if transportation cannot be had to feed them here as well as the armies.

Scottsboro, Ala., April 24, 1864.

Spring is here at last, and summer is almost in sight. The last two days have been fully as warm as I care to see weather in April. There has been a great deal of cold, wet weather here this spring, and vegetable life is unusually backward; but the last few days have effected a great change in the forests. The north side of the mountains still look bare and wintry, the soft maple being the only tree I have noticed “in leaf” on those slopes; but nearly all of the trees and bushes on the southern mountain slopes are in full leaf. In the valleys, the poplars, the beeches, and the black gums are nearly in full spring dress, being far in advance of their comrades–the oaks, chestnuts, hickories and white gum. Of the smaller trees the dogwood leads in assuming a spring costume. Two years ago this date, vegetation was further advanced at the mouth of the Ohio than ’tis here now. Do you remember, I arrived home just about two years ago this time; stayed two and one half days, and then, for Corinth? How easily my three years in the army have made way with themselves. That I have lived something over a thousand days, in a blue uniform seems incredible. Six months sounds much more reasonable. “Black Jack” reviewed our division yesterday. Only eight of the 13 regiments could be present; but ’twas the finest review I ever saw. Logan rode through our camp, and expressed himself much pleased at our way of keeping house. We have a beautiful camp, every part of it cleanly swept every morning. It is also decorated profusely with evergreens from the mountains. I suppose it is unnecessary to tell you what we killed in the deerhunt, I spoke of in my last, as in prospect; but we did have a power of fun. [continue reading…]

Sunday, 24th–It is raining again—there is nothing but rain and mud. Company B is now in camp and we received our pay today, including $50.00 of the new bounty. I got $63.00 in all. We received orders to be ready to move in the morning at 6 o’clock, and go to Cairo, Illinois. It rained all day and so we had to stay in camp. We had preaching here this afternoon. I had a couple of likenesses taken yesterday and today I am sending them away.

“Disappointment is the common lot of man.”

April, Sunday 24, 1864

This has been a terible day of excitement, two wagons from Memphis came out and camped in front of our gate all day, the Yanks did not bother them this morning only to take some Whiskey—two Confederate Soldiers were sitting in the Parlor all the time they were here, they did not see them coming in time to run, but fortunately they did not come in the Parlor. Mr. Falls and Miss McKinney, Sister of one of the Soldiers, came out to see them, the other Soldier was Mr. Hutchinson. I sent a package of Papers and letters to Mobile by Mr. McKinney, they had not more than rode out of sight when five Yanks came up all drunk, they robbed those people with the wagons of all their money, drank up all the whiskey and treated them shamefully, they had not been gone long before three Confederates, John & William Hildebrand and Ben Henderson came riding up, we told them about it, they rode off full speed, in a little while we heard firing, continued about five minutes, then all quiet. Father and Uncle Elam went down to Dave Hildebrand’s after tea, our boys just left all right,—they met the Yanks returning, only four, and they frightened to death almost—no particulars. I am very much afraid, Laura, the Goslins, Tip and I all alone.

APRIL 24th.—Cloudy and windy, but warm.

We have none of the details yet of the storming of Plymouth, except the brief dispatches in the newspapers; nor any reliable accounts of subsequent movements. But a letter from Gen. Whiting indicates that all his troops had been taken northward, and we may expect something further of interest.

It is still believed that Lee’s and Grant’s armies are in motion on the Rappahannock; but whether going North or coming South, no one seems to know. Our people unanimously look for a victory.

I bought a black coat at auction yesterday (short swallow-tailed) for $12. It is fine cloth, not much worn—its owner going into the army, probably—but out of fashion. If it had been a frock-coat, it would have brought $100. It is no time for fashion now.

Gen. Johnston’s Chief Commissary offers to send some bacon to Lee’s army. A short time since, it was said, Johnston was prevented from advancing for want of rations.

23rd. Went to the White House and went through the East Room and two or three reception rooms. Eight very large mirrors in the East room, velvet and gilt papering, heavy brussels carpet, elegant sofas. Reception room surpasses anything I ever saw. Waited at Soldier’s Rest from 9 till 1 P. M. for Major Seward. Then got teams for baggage. Went to depot to have boats ready. Weather as mild and warm as in June. Streets very, very dusty. Willard’s and Metropolitan fine hotels. Passed Treasury Building. Moved at 4 P. M. to Camp Stoneman, via Giesboro Point by boat. Drew tents.

Saturday, 23d–Company E reported for duty this morning, and in addition ten recruits. Our regiment has more than one hundred recruits. We signed the pay rolls this forenoon, and were expecting to receive our pay, one month’s, but as Company B has not yet arrived in camp, the paymaster withheld the pay. I swapped watches with Henry Clark, trading my cylinder escapement watch for his American lever watch, and gave $10.00 to boot. The boys still keep straggling into camp, and all who have reported are in high spirits and glad to return after their thirty-day furlough.

April, Saturday 23, 1864

All ready for breakfast, and very much refreshed after a good nights sleep. Dr. Sommers leaves for Vicksburgh today, inspecting hospitals. I would not care if they had no hospitals, however he is very agreeable. I prepared for my trip directly after breakfast. Mrs. Sommers came in the room and seemed very much distressed that I was in trouble, and said that she would get the Dr. to get me a pass if I would wait until he came. I knew it was of no use to ask, the Provost Marshall said I must not, but consoled me by saying, where there is a will there is generally a way. This was hint enough, so I went to Mrs. Worsham’s, and Kate went round to the Provost’s Office and got a pass for herself and Miss Edmunds. I shall ever be grateful to her for it. I then started for Mr. Barbier’s, came by and told Mr. Eyrich goodbye—came by Miss Perdue’s, found Miss Mary & Annie just having their baggage searched to leave for Vicksburgh—banished never to return. I got through Pickets safe, Jack was on. Anna Nelson came out with me, we were caught in a terible storm, no trouble otherwise, found all well at home.

APRIL 23d.—A bright day, with southern breezes.

It is rumored and believed that Gen. Lee’s army is in motion. If this be so, we shall soon hear of a “fight, or a foot race.” And how can Grant run away, when Mr. Chase, the Federal Secretary of the Treasury, openly proclaims ruin to the finances unless they speedily achieve success in the field? I think he must fight; and I am sure he will be beaten, for Lee’s strength is probably underestimated.

We are also looking to hear more news from North Carolina; and Newbern will probably be stormed next, since storming is now the order of the day.

April 23d. Early this morning the Johnnie Rebs made an attack on the outposts on the Charlestown Pike. A hot fire was kept up. Our pickets holding them in check while our regiment was ordered out, double quick. We made a forced march out about two miles but the enemy had left. It was thought to be a scouting party, who came near the outposts. Our scouts reported the enemy going up the valley. Our regiment returned to camp. Two large field guns were mounted in our camp, pointed towards the Loudon Heights. Can be seen by the enemy. They are ready for work at any moment Weather permitting drill and dress parade are kept up. Spare time devoted to reading and writing letters and discussing the war question. Wondering what the outcome will be and when the end will come. All is quiet in our camp.

22nd. Cars ready and off at 10 A. M. Got to Washington at 4 P. M. Rode to 6th St. wharf and made arrangements for transportation to Giesboro. Rather disappointed in the city of which I have read so much, where so many great men have congregated, where so much treason has been plotted, inhuman laws made. Penn. Ave. is a moderately pretty street, but otherwise the city seems the poorest I was ever in. The capitol is grand, massive, grounds beautiful.

Friday, 22d–I started with Uncle John this morning for Davenport, but one of his neighbors, Mr. Lathrop, soon overtook us and as he had to go to town anyway, I rode with him and Uncle John returned home. I reached Davenport by noon and went to the Davis House for my dinner, after which I called for my knapsack and accouterments and made a bee-line for Camp McClellan. Eight companies of the Eleventh Iowa have already reported and it is expected that we shall leave for the South in a few days. I went down town and got my new watch repaired—costing $2.00—and purchased a few necessary articles, such as a diary, pocket dictionary, stationery, etc., costing in all $3.15.