August 13.–Still rain. My horse hitched to a tree on the brow of a hill very near my tent broke loose during the night, and, it is said, rolled down the steep hill and swam the river. This morning he was seen trotting about in high feather on the opposite side of the river. He was caught and brought back unhurt, to the surprise of all who saw the place he must have gone down. Our right wing has been sent for to return to Bulltown. Captains Drake and Woodward who are out guerrilla hunting are still absent and not heard from for twenty-four hours.–P. M. Still raining. Captains Drake and Woodward have returned. They caught two of the pickets of the guerrilla party they were after but failed in surprising them, owing to a boy who gave information of their coming. They found a few good Union men; the mass of the people most ignorant. [They] describe the country in the edge of Webster County as precipitous and difficult; the people timid but cunning. They also brought two other prisoners, men who have been in the secession army.

August 13th.–Hon. Robert Barnwell says, “The Mercury’s influence began this opposition to Jeff Davis before he had time to do wrong. They were offended, not with him so much as with the man who was put into what they considered Barnwell Rhett’s rightful place. The latter had howled nullification and secession so long that when he found his ideas taken up by all the Confederate world, he felt he had a vested right to leadership.”

Jordan, Beauregard’s aide, still writes to Mr. Chesnut that the mortality among the raw troops in that camp is fearful. Everybody seems to be doing all they can. Think of the British sick and wounded away off in the Crimea. Our people are only a half-day’s journey by rail from Richmond. With a grateful heart I record the fact of reconciliation with the Wigfalls. They dined at the President’s yesterday and the little Wigfall girls stayed all night.

Seward is fêting the outsiders, the cousin of the Emperor, Napoleon III., and Russell, of the omnipotent London Times.

AUGUST 13th.—The President sent to the department an interesting letter from Mr. Zollicoffer, in Tennessee, relating to the exposed condition of the country, and its capacities for defense.

New Haven, August, ‘61.

The Second Connecticut Regiment returned on Monday and Willy and I rushed out to see them pass, poor, way-worn, tired fellows, as they were; and in their ranks we saw Dr. Bacon prance by, much to our surprise as well as pleasure. His family are all spending the summer in the country, and as the last duties of his place would detain him here for a few days, we offered him the shelter of our roof till they should be over, and so have had him to ourselves all the week–too tired and unwell to be as entertaining as usual, but still invaluable as a guide-book and interpreter to all the recent war movements. I am hoping that a large blue pill which he swallowed publicly last night may make him even more graphic and interesting. . . . He gave me a charming description of his calls on you and Georgy and what you said and did, and what you meant to say and do. Oh, girls, don’t I envy you, being so in the thick of everything!

. . . The reports from Lenox–(where Jenny and Harry Yardley, newly married, were settled) –are charming; the little house is just like a bower, transformed into such by all simple means and expedients. I am really getting appalled by the smartness of the girls. Dora and Lilly put carpets down themselves the other day in three rooms and did it as well as a professional. The last addition to the ornaments of the rooms was the pretty picture which Carry and Hatty brought from Rome for Jenny. Carry and Charley walked in upon them on Monday evening to their delight and surprise, having come up in search of rooms for the family–found at once quite near the Parsonage, and occupied by them to-day.

TUESDAY 13

News today of the battle at Springfield Missori and death of Genl Lyon. My son Frank was in his Army, Co. E, 2nd Regt US Infantry, Capt Steel. Have been at the Camp much of the day seeing the soldiers pack up and get in readiness to leave. They go tomorrow morning. Doct Barnes here to tea. He presented Julia with a beautiful pocket pistol, “Elliotts self cocking” (very small) Six Shooter. I was at “Willards” an hour today, not a great crowd there. The City is patroled daily and nightly by mounted men.

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The three diary manuscript volumes, Washington during the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, are available online at The Library of   Congress.

Democrat and Planter [Columbia, TX],
August 13, 1861

We see very much in the Northern prints, says the Montgomery Advertiser, about the flag of the Union. The speeches of northern orators are full of allusions to the starry banner, and the people are appealed to by all the sacred memories that cluster about that banner, to stand by and defend it to the last. Ignorant people are deluded with the idea that the flag is the same as that which floated over the battle fields of the Revolution, and their remembrance of the many glorious victories achieved under its folds is called upon to arouse their patriotism. This uproar about the sacredness of the flag is all gammon. There is no peculiar interest attaching to the Star-Spangled Banner. It is not the flag under which our fathers fought the battles of the Revolution; neither is it the same as the one that floated over the field of battle in the war of 1812. The present flag of the United States was adopted in 1818–less than fifty years ago–from a design by Capt. Samuel C. Reid.

There was nothing in its adoption to render it sacred in the eyes of any one, and there has been nothing in its history since to make it so. This professed devotion to the flag of the Union is pure bunkum.

There is another fact also worth knowing in regard to the old song known as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Every male descendant and relative of the author of this beautiful song, liable to do military duty are now in the Confederate army. At least fifteen members of that patriotic family are at this time doing service against the unconstitutional and tyrannical Government at Washington; and rightfully claim to be fighting for the principles to which that song was originally dedicated.

13th.–H. S. S. arrived at my hospital to-day, with orders, as I was sick, to take charge of and bring forward all the men left here. From the tenor of our Colonel’s letter of instructions to his messenger, I should take him to be a little “miffed” at the men’s not being sent forward earlier. What in the name of heaven can he wish to do with sick men in camp? However, I have no discretion, but shall turn over the men to S., and see how he will carry out instructions. I had already sent forward to-day, before his arrival, quite a number, leaving me only ten here.

August 13.–The New Orleans Delta of to-day rejoices over the contemplated expulsion of all citizens of the United States “from the Confederated States.” The law, it states, is, and the fact is confirmed from other sources, that all owning citizenship to the Federal Government are to be banished from the Confederated States. The Delta says:

“We cannot afford to tolerate enemies in our midst, because, forsooth, they may have the discretion to keep silent and to bear no arms in their hands. The man of Massachusetts, or the man of Kentucky, living, and perhaps thriving in our midst, has no business at this time to be among us, if he allows a reasonable suspicion to exist that he is not also cordially with us.”

–A severe skirmish took place a few miles from Grafton, Va., on the Fairmount and Webster road. Information having been received that a regularly organized body of rebels, living in the county, were lodged within a few miles of Webster, General Kelly sent Captain Dayton, of Company A, Fourth Virginia Regiment, with fifty men, from Webster to disarm them. After scouting nearly twenty-four hours he came suddenly on them, and after an hour’s severe fighting, succeeded in killing twenty-one and putting the others to flight, without loss to his command. The rebels numbered 200, and were composed of the worst characters of the county, led on by Zack Cochrane, sheriff under Gov. Letcher.–Ohio Statesman, August 16.

–The banks of New York, Philadelphia, and Boston agreed to take fifty millions of the Government loan, they to be the sole recipients of the Treasury notes.

William Gray, Franklin Haven, and J. Amory Davis were chosen a committee by the Boston bank directors to confer with the committees of the New York and Philadelphia banks in regard to the Government loan. The meeting adopted the following instructions to the Committee:

“That the Committee be authorized to say to the gentlemen of the Committees from the New York and Philadelphia banks, that, in the judgment of the gentlemen here assembled, the banks and bankers of Boston and of the State of Massachusetts and its people are prepared, ready, willing, and determined to do all in their power, in view of their duty to themselves, their trusts and their country, to aid it in suppressing the present rebellion by furnishing men and money to the utmost extent of their ability, now, henceforth and forever.”– N. Y. Evening Post, August 14.

–General Pope, at St. Louis, Mo., issued a general order, establishing regulations for the navigation of the Missouri River.–(Doc. 181.)

August 13, 1861

A Chronological History of the Civil War in America¹

• Rebels driven from Grafton, Va, and the place occupied by Union troops—21 rebels killed.
• Skirmish at Matthias Point, Va.

1. A Chronological History of the Civil War in America by Richard Swainson Fisher, New York, Johnson and Ward, 1863

Astoria, August 12th.

Dear Girls: If mother and the remaining three kept to the programme, they all left for Lenox on Saturday and are at last settled in their summer quarters, much to my relief. So long as they would not come to us, I think it was highly necessary for them to go somewhere, as the city grew hotter and smellier and more unbearable every day.

Knowing what New York is at this season, and inferring what Washington must be, I am sure you will consider my proposition reasonable when I beg that you will come on and freshen up a little here at Astoria “by the side of a river so clear.” . . . When you come Robert will sail you up to Riker’s Island, in order to make you feel more at home, where the Anderson Zouaves are encamped. We went up there the other day with some illustrated papers sent by Jane to the men, and were enthusiastically received by a company of bathers, who swam round the boat for whatever we had to offer, and whom we left seated on the rocks reading Frank Leslie, with not so much as a button or an epaulette on by way of dress.

August 12. Monday.–Showery all day. Sent to Clarksburg H. T. Martin. He will probably be sent to Columbus for safe keeping. I gave him a letter to my brother-in-law to insure him attention there in case he should need. It is impossible to avoid mistakes in these cases. Union men may make charges merely to gratify personal animosity, knowing that in the nature of things a full investigation is impossible.

During Monday night a squad of the Tenth Regiment returned from the Buckhannon road with the body of one of the wild men of the mountains found in this country. He followed their regiment, shooting at them from the hills. They took him in the Bulltown region. He wore neither hat nor shoes, was of gigantic size–weighing two hundred and thirty pounds; had long hooked toes, fitted to climb–a very monster. They probably killed him after taking him prisoner in cold blood–perhaps after a sort of trial. They say he was attempting to escape.

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WESTON, VIRGINIA, August 12, 1861.

DEAR UNCLE:–We are still getting on nicely. We have a good deal more excitement now than usual. Wagon and cattle trains and small parties are fired on by guerrillas from the hills on two of the roads leading from here. Dr. Joe has about eight or ten in charge who have been wounded in this way. Two only have been killed. None in our regiment. The men all laugh at “squirrel guns” and the wounds they make. Several would have been killed if shot in the same part by the conical balls of our military guns. The “deadly rifle” of olden times shoots too small a bullet, and is too short in its range; but as Cassio says, it is often “sufficient.” We send out parties who bring in prisoners– sometimes the right men, sometimes not. All this keeps up a stir. In a week or two we shall get up a regular system of scouring the country to get rid of these rascals. The Union men here hate and fear them more than our men.

The threatened invasion by Lee from eastern Virginia hangs fire. They will hardly venture in, unless they come in a few days, as we are daily getting stronger. I hope you are still getting better.

Good-bye,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

MONDAY 12

Went down to the Pat office this morning and saw the Comr, could get nothing definite from him in reference to my restoration to the office. Business there is still dull. Few soldiers are seen in the streets now and none without a “pass.” The 27th Regt have rcd orders to cross the River into Virginia and go into Camp. Troops are accumulating here and also at Mannasses Junction. Another collision must soon take place, it will be a life struggle with both parties. Doct Barnes to Bkfst & tea.

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The three diary manuscript volumes, Washington during the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, are available online at The Library of   Congress.

AUGUST 12th.—There is trouble with Mr. Tochman, who was authorized to raise a regiment or so of foreigners in Louisiana. These troops were called (by whom?) the Polish Brigade, though, perhaps, not one hundred Polanders were on the muster-rolls; Major Tochman being styled General Tochman by “everybody,” he has intimated to the President his expectation of being commissioned a brigadier. The President, on his part, has promptly and emphatically, as is sometimes his wont, declared his purpose to give him no such commission. He never, for a moment, thought of making him more than a colonel. To this the major demurs, and furnishes a voluminous correspondence to prove that his claims for the position of brigadier-general had been recognized by the Secretary of War.

Head Quarters Jefferson Barracks Mo
August 12th 1861

My dear wife

Being ordered to take command at this post I came down here yesterday evening, and stayed all night with Major Macrae¹ the for[mer] commandant. Being senior officer I am entitled to choice of quarters, and have taken rooms (5 or 6) here within the enclosure.

William is up town trying to get some necessary articles and I am busy issuing orders, seeing friends and preparing for business operations generally.

It is cool and pleasant. About 4000 troops are camped around me, under my command. I am directed to establish “a school instruction,” “to teach the young ideas how to shoot“. Jack Falstaffs Regiment was a dress parade compared to my command. Some have guns but none have uniforms, and many are destitute of shoes. They lay round loose on the side hills, without tents or covering, and generally bear their trials with becoming patience and forbearance. I felt ashamed of myself last night, for while I was sleeping on a nice matress, the pelting rain was pouring down on thousands who slept without roof or even a blanket.

Certain it is we have reason to be ashamed of our country that after so much preparation has no accommodation for the assembling troops.

It is cool and pleasant here. Major Macrae and other officers have their family arrangements, & think I ought to have mine. How long or short my stay is to be is just as uncertain as the wind; still I do not know but I may as well have your company when I can. I have a cooking stove & utensils. A kitchen table, and a rough table which does for the dining room. I have ordered a cot and half dozen camp stools. A few more kitchen, din’g, and sleeping arrangements; would make it nice for you and the children to be with me. Transportation would cost little or nothing, except the transportation to the S. boat. If I am to stay many weeks I am sure you would prefer to be with me, and it would not be much trouble to go back when I am ordered forward, as I hope to be when the grand army goes South. You can think of this and write me. In the mean time I will think more of it and write you. We have no fears of being taken by Pillow or any body else soon, but the State of Missouri is in a disturbed condition and that may be a serious objection to leaving our quiet home.

I hope you will write very often. The franking- privilege extends for at least six months and I may therefore write and receive letters without cost till December.

I telegraphed Henry² to “Come soon via of Keo’k” I meant by that to give him a chance to make you a visit and remit his health if need be. When convenient I should like to have him here, but he need not hurry, and if you and the children come I will assign him the duty of giving you transports from our door to my head quarters. Everything should be packed carefully, and the contents of each box should be put down on the box or in a little book corresponding in great care. Then you can bring, leave, or otherwise dispose of boxes as you may see proper. The house must not be rented till we can get a proper tenant. Better close it with “To Let” marked on the door.

I have seen H H Curtis daily almost but I have not had time to enjoy much visiting and expect hereafter to be as busy as possible. None of my staff have made their appearance yet. If any come to Keokuk tell them they had better report to me soon.

Affectionately & ever yours
Saml. R. Curtis

1. Probably D. McRae, later col. Arkansas vols.
2. Son of S. R. Curtis

12th.–Sixteen of my sick have so far recovered that I sent them to-day to join their regiment at Kalorama Heights, near Washington. I have quite recovered from my attack, which was rubeolous fever. I had been so much mixed up with measles that, notwithstanding I had passed through the disease in childhood, the system in some degree yielded to its contagious influence, and I have had all the symptoms of measles, except the eruption. I have termed this rubeoloid, or rubeolous fever. It is common in camp.

On returning from my ride next morning, I took up the Baltimore paper, and saw a paragraph announcing the death of an English officer at the station; it was the poor fellow whom I saw sitting at General Mansfield’s steps yesterday. The consul was absent on a short tour rendered necessary by the failure of his health consequent on the discharge of his duties. Finding the Legation were anxious to see due care taken of the poor fellow’s remains, I left for Baltimore at a quarter to three o’clock, and proceeded to inquire into the circumstances connected with his death. He had been struck down at the station by some cerebral attack, brought on by the heat and excitement; had been carried to the police station and placed upon a bench, from which he had fallen with his head downwards, and was found in that position, with life quite extinct, by a casual visitor. My astonishment may be conceived when I learned that not only had the Coroner’s inquest sat and returned its verdict, but that the man had absolutely been buried the same morning, and so my mission was over, and I could only report what had occurred to Washington. Little value indeed has human life in this new world, to which the old gives vital power so lavishly, that it is regarded as almost worthless. I have seen more “fuss” made over an old woman killed by a cab in London than there is over half a dozen deaths with suspicion of murder attached in New Orleans or New York.

12th.—Still nothing from the army. We go on here quietly and happily—as happily as the state of the country will allow. The household peaceful and pleasant. The ladies—all of us collect in one room—work, while one reads some pleasant book. We are mercifully dealt with, and I hope we are grateful for such blessings.

The Northern papers tell us that General Patterson has withdrawn from the Northern army. The reason thereof is not mentioned; but we shrewdly suspect that the powers at Washington are not entirely satisfied that he was so completely foiled by General Johnston. General Johnston was fighting the battle of Manassas before General P. knew that he had left the Valley. The rumour that he had gone to join McDowell was unfounded. For many days there was no intercourse between the section occupied by the Federal army and that occupied by ours; pickets were placed on every road, to prevent any one from passing towards General P. Gentlemen who had come to Winchester and Berryville on business for a few hours, were not allowed to return home for days. So how could the poor man know what was going on? We only fear that his place may be supplied by one more vigilant. General Scott, too, has been almost superseded by General McClellan, who seems just now to be the idol of the North. The Philadelphia papers give a glowing description of his reception in that city. It was his luck, for it seems to me, with his disciplined and large command, it required no skill to overcome and kill the gallant General Garnett at Rich Mountain. For this he is feted and caressed, lionized and heroized to the greatest degree. I only hope that, like McDowell and Patterson, he may disappoint their expectations.

August 12.–Charles J. Faulkner, late U. S. Minister to France, was arrested in Washington by the Provost Marshal. The order for his arrest was issued from the War Department. A heavy detachment of infantry accompanied the Marshal to guard against any disturbance that the arrest might prompt. Mr. Faulkner acknowledged the authority, and signified his readiness to accompany the officer. He was taken to the jail, where the other prisoners of war are confined. Mr. Faulkner occupies a lower floor of the jail, and has a ward adjoining that of Dr. Fleming, of Virginia, who is also a prisoner and a man of wealth and influence. When first arrested, he was somewhat excited, but he shortly recovered himself, and during the afternoon conversed freely with one of the officers on the condition of France. When asked how the rebellion was regarded there, he answered, “France, sir, deeply regrets it.” He also stated that he had his passes all ready, and intended to leave for his home in Virginia today. In his conversation he carefully avoids expressing any opinion as to the political condition of the country. The charges upon which the arrest is based, are his successful efforts to procure arms in Europe for the use of the rebels, and the fact that he was going home to assume command of a regiment of rebels who had elected him colonel.–N. Y. Times, August 13.

–Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, in accordance with a resolution of Congress, issued a proclamation, appointing a day of public fasting and prayer, to be observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnities and the offering of fervent supplications to Almighty God for the safety and welfare of the country, His blessings on the national arms, and a speedy restoration of peace.–(Doc. 178.)

–At one o’clock this afternoon, the office of the Democrat, a secession sheet published at Bangor, Me., was visited by a large number of people. During an alarm of fire, a crowd entered the office, cleared it of every thing it contained, and burned the contents in the street. Mr. Emery, the editor of the paper, escaped unharmed. A man who made some demonstrations in opposition to the acts of the mob, was badly used, but was finally rescued and put in jail.

–Judge Catron, of the United States Supreme Court, was expelled from Nashville, Tenn., by a Vigilance Committee, for his refusal to resign his office under the United States Government.–Baltimore American, August 14.

–Gen. Wool was ordered to the command of the Southeastern District of Virginia, headquarters at Fortress Monroe.–The Eleventh Regiment of New York Volunteers (First Fire Zouaves) left Washington for New York.–Troy Times, August 13.

–Twenty-two released prisoners of war arrived at Fortress Monroe from Norfolk, Va., under a flag of truce. They comprise the following persons:–Surgeons, Edward T. Taylor, First New Jersey; Jacob A. Stewart, First Minnesota; Eugene Peugnet, Seventy-first Now York; Foster Swift, Eighth New York; S. O. Thunkins, Fourth Maine; B. F. Buckstone, Fifth Maine; Wm. H. Allen, Second Maine; Jas. M. Lewis, Second Wisconsin; Gustavus Winston, New York Eighth; Chas. DeGraw, do.; _____ Normal, Seventy-ninth New York. These surgeons remained at Sudley Church and the stone building after the battle, attending the wounded, and were taken prisoners. They remained, some at Bull Run and others at Manassas Junction, attending upon the wounded for two weeks after the battle, and then were sent to Richmond. Finally they were released on parole and sent within the national lines, via Norfolk They have been courteously and kindly treated by the military authorities of the “Confederate ” States, and give the most unqualified denial to all stories of the killing or ill-treatment of the wounded. Mrs. Curtis, of New York, who went out a day or two after the battle and was taken prisoner, is also released.–(Doc. 179.)

–Ben. McCulloch, in a general order, congratulated “the army under his command” upon the victory at Wilson’s Creek, and hoped that “the laurels they had gained” would “not be tarnished by a single outrage.” He also issued a proclamation to the people of Missouri, calling upon them to act either for the North or the South.–(Doc. 180.)

August 12, 1861

A Chronological History of the Civil War in America¹

• Arrest of Hon. C. J. Faulkner, late U. S. Minister to France.
• Of?ce of the Bangor (Me) Democrat, a secession paper, entirely destroyed by a mob.

1. A Chronological History of the Civil War in America by Richard Swainson Fisher, New York, Johnson and Ward, 1863

August 11. Sunday.–Raining this morning, very warm. Arrested, on complaint of a Union man, H. T. Martin, a secession editor, who is charged with holding communication with James and William Bennett, leaders of a guerrilla party. He was formerly from Ohio. Is a Southern state’s-right Democrat in talk, and makes a merit of holding secession opinions. Having been engaged in getting up troops for the Southern army, the colonel will probably send him to Ohio.

Colonel Lytle’s men fired on near Bulltown; one killed, four wounded; guerrilla party in the hills out of reach. Our regiment did not destroy records. We have sent two captains and eighty men after the guerrillas.