Mar
31
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—March 31, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
MARCH 31ST.—Cloudy and cold. No war news, though it is generally believed that Longstreet is really in the valley.
A speech delivered by the Hon. J. W. Wall, in
Mar
30
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—March 30, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
MARCH 30TH.—It rained all night, the wind blowing a gale from the east. This morning the wind was from the west, blowing moderately; and although cloudy, no rain.
The enemy’s gun-boats down the river shelled the shore where it was suspected we had troops in ambush; and when some of their barges approached the shore, it was ascertained they were not mistaken, for a volley from our men (signal corps) killed and wounded half the crew. The remainder put back to the gunboats.
There is great tribulation among the departmental clerks, who are to be enrolled as conscripts, and probably sent to the army. The young relatives of some of the Secretaries are being appointed commissaries, quartermasters, surgeons, etc. They keep out of danger.
Many ladies have been appointed clerks. There is a roomful of them just over the Secretary’s office, and he says they distract him with their noise of moving of chairs and running about, etc.
The papers publish an account of a battle of snow-balls in our army, which indicates the spirit of the troops, when, perhaps, they are upon the eve of passing through such awful scenes of carnage as will make the world tremble at the appalling spectacle.
Mar
30
Diary of the Union Secretary of the Navy, March 30, 1864
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by Gideon Welles
March 30, Wednesday. A severe storm last night and to-day. Mrs. Welles had arranged for a party this evening. The rain ceased about sundown. The evening passed off pleasantly. A large and choice company and many celebrities.
Secretary Seward fell in with Mr. Carpenter, the artist, in the parlor. Carpenter is getting out a large painting of the President and the Cabinet at the time the Emancipation Proclamation was under consideration. The President and Cabinet have given him several sittings, and the picture is well under weigh. Mr. C. thinks this act the great feature of the Administration, as do many others likely; but Seward said it was but an incident following and wholly subordinate to other and much greater events. When C. asked what, Seward told him to go back to the firing on Sumter, or to a much more exciting one than even that, —the Sunday following the Baltimore massacre, when the Cabinet assembled or gathered in the Navy Department and, with the vast responsibility that was thrown upon them, met the emergency and its awful consequences, put in force the war power of the government, and issued papers and did acts that might have brought them all to the scaffold.
Few, comparatively, know or can appreciate the actual condition of things and state of feeling of the members of the Administration in those days. Nearly sixty years of peace had unfitted us for any war, but the most terrible of all wars, a civil one, was upon us, and it had to be met. Congress had adjourned without making any provision for the storm, though aware it was at hand and soon to burst upon the country. A new Administration, scarcely acquainted with each other, and differing essentially in the past, was compelled to act, promptly and decisively.
Mar
29
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—March 29, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
MARCH 29TH.—A furious gale, eastern, and rain.
No news, except the appearance of a few gun-boats down the river; which no one regards as an important matter.
Great crowds are funding their Treasury notes to-day; but prices of provisions are not diminished. White beans, such as I paid $60 a bushel for early in this month, are now held at $75. What shall we do to subsist until the next harvest?
Mar
29
Diary of the Union Secretary of the Navy, March 29, 1864
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by Gideon Welles
March 29, Tuesday. Not long at Cabinet-meeting. Chase still feels that he did not make a good case in the matter of the
Told Mr. Wilson he must look into Johnson’s case, for I did not like it should be longer suspended.
Mar
28
by Horatio Nelson Taft
Friday March 28th
Very pleasant today. Streets quite dry & dusty. A great movement of troops. A stream of men and Govt Wagons have been going down
Mar
28
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—March 28, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
MARCH 28TH.—April-like day, but no rain; clouds, and sunshine, and warm.
About 2 P.M. the Secretary received a dispatch stating that the enemy had appeared in force opposite
It is said that Gen. Longstreet is marching with expedition down the Valley of the Shenandoah, to flank Meade or Grant. I doubt it. But the campaign will commence as soon as the weather will permit.
A letter from G. B. Lamar,
Mar
28
Diary of the Union Secretary of the Navy, March 28, 1864
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by Gideon Welles
March 28, Monday. Saw Mr. Wilson yesterday relative to the arrests of, and proceedings against, fraudulent contractors. Told him he must take charge of the matter, be mild towards the prisoners, let them be as little interrupted in their business as possible. He appears sensible, discreet, and judicious, and I hope will manage nicely and well. I dislike the whole affair and think great responsibility is improperly on me.
The President sent for Fox and myself on Saturday evening. Fox, who had been deputed to negotiate matters with Halleck relative to transfers, was disgusted and a little overreached and had also written as well as myself to the President. The latter desired to see us both Saturday P.M. and requested an order might be prepared which we took to him this A.M. It was less mandatory than I wished, but I know his reluctance to come in conflict with the Secretary of War, — certainly not in a harsh manner. The order was mild and his own, and for the Secretary of War to issue to carry it into effect. He wished me to write an order for the Secretary of War. I could see the President wished to have before him the practical working. Gave him an order forthwith.
Captain Rolando came to-day, pursuant to orders, relative to his intercepted letter to Fox and the capture of the William Peel. Thinks the letter interpolated. I am fearful Seward will, in this case, yield too much to Lord Lyons.
Mar
27
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—March 27, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
MARCH 27TH.—Bright morning, but windy; subsequently warmer, and wind lulled. Collards coming up. Potatoes all rotted in the ground during the recent cold weather. I shall rely on other vegetables, which I am now beginning to sow freely.
We have no war news to-day.
Mar
26
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—March 26, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
MARCH 26TH—Bright morning, but a cold, cloudy, windy day.
A great crowd of people have been at the Treasury building all day, funding Treasury notes. It is to be hoped that as money gets scarcer, food and raiment will get cheaper.
Mr. Benton, the dentist, escaped being conscribed last year by the ingenuity of his attorney, G. W. Randolph, formerly Secretary of War, who, after keeping his case in suspense (alleging that dentists were physicians or experts) as long as possible, finally contrived to have him appointed hospital steward—the present Secretary consenting. But now the enrolling officer is after him again, and it will be seen what he is to do next. The act says dentists shall serve as conscripts.
And Mr. Randolph himself was put in the category of conscripts by the late military act, but Gov. Smith has decreed his exemption as a member of the Common Council! Oh, patriotism, where are thy votaries? Some go so far as to say Gov. Smith is too free with exemptions!
Mar
26
Diary of the Union Secretary of the Navy, March 26, 1864
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by Gideon Welles
March 26, Saturday. I went early this A.M. to the President on the subject of procuring a transfer of seamen from the Army to the Navy. After reading the papers he said he would take the matter in hand, and before I left the room he rang for his man Edward and told him to go for the Secretary of War, but, stopping him before he got to the door, directed him to call the Secretary of State first. In this whole matter of procuring seamen for the Navy there has been a sorry display of the prejudices of some of the military authorities. Halleck appears to dislike the Navy more than he loves his country.
Olcott, the detective, is here. Has been called to W. by the War Department. He, like those of his employment, is full of mystery, discussed fraud, overwhelming villainy, etc.; but much of it is mere suspicion, or matter susceptible of explanation. Not but that there is great rascality, —sufficient without exaggerating or aggravating it. I did not care to see him and cautioned Fox not to let his judgment be biased by O. The whole of these harsh proceedings are repugnant to my feelings.
Had a conversation with Admiral Dahlgren concerning operations at
Mar
25
Diary of the Union Secretary of the Navy, March 25, 1864
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by Gideon Welles
March 25, Friday. At Cabinet to-day, I brought up the subject of a scarcity of seamen. The President seemed concerned, and I have no doubt was.
Chase, who sat beside me when I first made mention of the difficulty we were experiencing from the effects of the enrollment act and the policy pursued by the War Department, remarked that nothing could be expected where there were no Cabinet consultations and no concerted action. Stanton and the President were in private consultation at the time in a corner of the room. This is no unfrequent occurrence between the two at our meetings, and is certainly inconsiderate and in exceeding bad taste. Chase was, I saw, annoyed and irritated.
Mr. Bates and others soon left. Usher sat quietly and intent, not listening perhaps to catch a word, but U. has great curiosity.
Mar
25
March 25, 1864, Diary of a Yankee in the Patent Office
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by Horatio Nelson Taft
Washington March 25th/64
Nothing very important has occured in regard to the war since my last date. No movement of the Army of the Potomac has taken place. Some Cavalry “raids” have been made and some skirmishing has been going on. Today an order is published consolidating the Army of the Potomac into three Corps Commanded by Genls Warren, Hancock and Sedgwick. Three fighting Genls. Genl Grant does not take command in person. Genl Mead is to command still. Genl Grant will have his head Qrs (it is said) here in the City. I do not like that. The Army of the Potomac has “swamped” so many Genls that I fear for him. Should that Army be defeated now, it would be ruin to him. In fact I think the political atmosphere of Washington itself will ruin him, but it seems necessary to put forward our “biggest gun” against Lee the Rebel, who has proved himself a most consumate General and so far more than a match (as to skill and ability) for any one we have had against him. If Grant can crush the Army of Lee, then the Rebellion seem to be nearly to an End. The trial will “come off” before long. There is thought to be no great difference in the strength of the two armies now facing each other. I hope ours will be largely re-inforced before the “Trial” as everything seems to depend upon our success, at least the length of the War will very much depend upon it. A few crushing blows this spring will do the work, and not only virtualy end the War, but disappoint the slipery and “sympathising” politicians at the North who are prophesying evil things of our army and obstructing the wheels of government in every way in Congress & out of it.
Mar
25
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—March 25, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
MARCH 25TH.—Raining moderately.
Yesterday Mr. Miles, member of Congress from
Gen. Bragg sent it back with an indignant note. He says the President gave the order, and it was a proper one. These companies of cavalry have not shared the hardships of the war, and have done no fighting; more cavalry has been held by Gen. Beauregard, in proportion to the number of his army, than by any other general; that skeleton regiments, which have gone through fire and blood, ought to be allowed to relieve them; and when recruited, would be ample for the defense of the coast, etc. Gen. Bragg concluded by saying that the offense of having the military orders of the commander-in-chief, etc. exposed to civilians, to be criticised and protested against—and “approved” by the Chief of Staff—at such a time as this, and in a matter of such grave importance—ought not to be suffered to pass without a merited rebuke. And I am sure poor Beauregard will get the rebuke; for all the military and civil functionaries near the government partake of something of a dislike of him.
And yet Beauregard was wrong to make any stir about it; and the President himself only acted in accordance with Gen. Lee’s suggestions, noted at the time in this Diary.
Gen. Polk writes from Dunapolis that he will have communications with
Mr. Memminger, the Secretary of the Treasury, is in a black Dutch fury. It appears that his agent, C. C. Thayer, with $15,000,000 Treasury notes for disbursement in
But alas! and alas! P. Milmo & Co., upon being informed that fifteen millions were in their custody, notified our agents that they would seize it all, and hold it all, until certain alleged claims they held against the Confederate States Government were paid. Mr. Quintero, who sends this precious intelligence, says he thinks the money will soon be released—and so do I, when it is ascertained that it will be of no value to any of the parties there.
Mr. Memminger, however, wants Quartermaster Russell cashiered, and court-martialed, and, moreover, decapitated!
Mar
24
Diary of the Union Secretary of the Navy, March 24, 1864
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by Gideon Welles
March 24, Thursday. Tom and Admiral Dahlgren returned from Fortress Monroe, but without the remains of young Dahlgren.
We are running short of sailors and I have no immediate remedy. The army officers are not disposed to lose good men, and seem indifferent to the country and general welfare if their service can get along. Commodore Rowan writes that the times of the men are running out and no reenlistments; the army is paying enormous bounties. Between thirty and forty vessels are waiting crews.
Mar
24
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—March 24, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
MARCH 24TH.—A bright pleasant day—snow nearly gone. Next week the clerks in the departments, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, are to be enrolled, and perhaps the greater number will be detailed to their present employments.
Gov. Vance is here, and the President is about to appoint some of his friends brigadiers, which is conciliatory.
Gen. Longstreet has written a letter to the President, which I have not seen. The President sent it to the Secretary to-day, marked “confidential.” It must relate either to subsistence or to important movements in meditation. If the latter, we shall soon know it.
Mar
23
Diary of the Union Secretary of the Navy, March 23, 1864
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by Gideon Welles
March 23, Wednesday. I have to-day a lame and not very commendable letter from Chase, yet nothing very bad. He wants the courage and candor to admit his errors.
Mar
23
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—March 23, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
MARCH 23D.—Snow fell all night, and was eight or ten inches deep this morning; but it was a bright morning, and glorious sunshine all day,—the anniversary of the birth of Shakspeare, 300 years ago,—and the snow is melting rapidly.
The Secretary of War had a large amount of plate taken from the department to-day to his lodgings at the Spottswood Hotel. It was captured from the enemy with Dahlgren, who had pillaged it from our opulent families in the country.
Mar
22
by Horatio Nelson Taft
Saturday March 22nd 1862
We have been listening all day to the booming of Cannon and beating of Drums. Troops are constantly embarking at the Arsenal and marching through and about the City. But the tents on the hills back of the City do not seem to diminish in number, but most of the Regts are under marching orders to be ready in a few minutes when called upon to go. It rained nearly all last night and rains tonight and the mud is almost as bad as ever in the streets, and the boys are again levying toll upon passengers at the crossings. — Doct David called this morning with another Surgeon. I think the Dr is a little homesick (very little). Comodore Foot is still throwing shells among the rebels at Island No 10. Yesterday the land forces were to arrive and act in concert with him. Went down to the Ave after dinner. Visited the “Ariated Bread” Bakery foot of 10th st. Went into some Machine Shops. Penn Ave was crowded to excess, Carriages, Hacks, Govt Wagons, stubborn mules refusing to go, drivers swearing, Soldiers marching, Drums beating, Bands playing, Dragoons and “orderlies” rushing through at great speed. Officers and Privates, Citizens & Congressmen, Negros & Newsboys, all hurrying to and fro on the broad Side walk without any order or regularity as regards turning “to the right.” All put together made a lively time of it, and I was not sorry to get away from the uproar and confusion of the Ave to a more quiet part of the City. The two elder boys have been up to the camp of the 98th today. They have gone to bed tired. Julia is reading her Spanish lesson. Wife has prepared a cup of tea & some ariated Bread & buter, and placed it invitingly near me on the table. We rarely get a regular “Tea” at night, dining past 4 renders it hardly necessary. It is usualy done in a sort of fugitive way about 8 or 9 o’clock, sometimes later. We cannot contrive to get to bed before about 11 o’clock, that is, myself and wife. Julia goes before 10 usualy, and the boys about 8.
Mar
22
Diary of the Union Secretary of the Navy, March 22, 1864
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by Gideon Welles
March 22, Tuesday. At the Cabinet-meeting Chase manifested a little disturbance of mind at my letter respecting the Ann Hamilton and the
Chase did not pursue the subject, but tried to pass it off as a joke. His jokes are always clumsy; he is destitute of wit. It was obvious that he was nettled and felt himself in the wrong.
Seward said the
Mar
22
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—March 22, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
MARCH 22D.—Cloudy morning, with ice; subsequently a snowstorm all day long. No war news. But meat and grain are coming freely from the South. This gives rise to a rumor that Lee will fall back, and that the capital will be besieged; all without any foundation.
A Mrs. _____ from
Mar
21
Diary of the Union Secretary of the Navy, March 21, 1864
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by Gideon Welles
March 21, Monday.
Tom (Thomas G. Welles, son of the Secretary) has gone with Admiral Dahlgren to Fortress Monroe after the body of his son Ulric, expected from
Mar
21
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—March 21, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
MARCH 21ST—Although cloudy, there was ice this morning, and cold all day.
Yesterday another thousand prisoners were brought up by the flag of truce boat. A large company of both sexes welcomed them in the
The following conversation took place yesterday between the P resident and some young ladies of his acquaintance, with whom he promenaded:
President.—It may seem hard; but even those boys (pointing to some youths around the monument twelve or fourteen years old) will have their trial.
President.—I don’t see why rats, if fat, are not as good as squirrels. Our men did eat mule meat at
After this, the President fell into a grave mood, and some remark about recognition caused him to say twice—” We have no friends abroad!”
Mar
20
March 20, 1864, Diary of a Yankee in the Patent Office
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by Horatio Nelson Taft
March 20th 1864
On Friday last Julia and myself went on board the Govt Steamer at 3 o’clock P.M. and were landed at Rosiers Bluff or rather Fort Foot in about an hour after. I remained overnight and returned yesterday, leaving Julia to spend a few days with her Cousins Maj E P Taft and family. There is now about Six hundred men there and the Fort seems to be completed but the guns are not all mounted yet. There is one 400 pounder mounted and a number of 200 pounder Parrots. Lieut Col Seward is now in Com[ma]nd. His Lady came up on the Boat with me and I saw her safely landed and through the Street cars to the Secretarys House on 16th St. On my return I found a letter for Julia from her particular friend Capt McLeod now with the Army of the Cumberland in Tennessee. He is on Genl Garrards Staff. I mailed it to her without delay as I presumed She was anxious to hear from him and I was willing she should, and was not disposed to pry into their secrets by opening it. She has shown me his letters before and I doubt not will show me this if I desire her to do so as she is very open and frank with me in regard to him and all others who pay attention to her. Julia is a very discreet girl, very careful of her steps, and of the company she keeps. She will not go on to “the Avenue” alone, or without a Gentleman with her, after 12 o’clock A.M. for shoping or any other purpose. Consequently I always feel quite confident that she is safe whenever I miss her from the house. We shall start for home about the first of next month. I expect her up from the Fort in three or four days but she is enjoying herself riding on horseback and otherwise so much that she may stay a little longer.
Mar
20
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—March 20, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
MARCH 20TH.—Bright and beautiful weather.
There are fires occurring now every night; and several buildings have been burned in the immediate vicinity of the War Department. These are attributed to incendiary Yankees, and the guard at the public offices has been doubled.
Mrs. Seddon, wife of the Secretary of War, resolved not to lose more wine by the visits of the Federal raiders, sent to auction last week twelve demijohns, which brought her $6000—$500 a demijohn.



