August 2026

Mary Chesnut’s diary: “The idea that we want to invade or subjugate anybody; we would be only too grateful to be left alone. We ask no more of gods or men.”

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Civil War Day-by-Day

August 18th.–Found it quite exciting to have a spy drinking his tea with us–perhaps because I knew his profession. I did not like his face. He is said to have a scheme by which Washington will fall into our hands like an overripe peach. Mr. Barnwell urges Mr. Chesnut to remain in the Senate. There [...]

Extracts from the journal of Commander Semmes, C.S. Navy, commanding C.S.S. Sumter

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War of the Rebellion: from the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies and Navies

Sunday, August 18.—Weather clear, with a light breeze from the eastward, which freshened as the day advanced, and gave us a fresh breeze toward nightfall. After passing Port Orange we ran over another 3-fathom bank, the water deepening beyond, enabling us to head in toward the coast as we approached Bram Point, off which we [...]

A Good Move

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Miscellaneous document sources, News of the Day

Daily Times [Leavenworth, Ks], August 18, 1861 Many robberies and depredations have been committed in the Southern border counties recently, under pretense of operating against Secessionists. A trial which took place in Olathe, revealed the fact that a regularly organized gang existed, who, taking advantage of the political troubles, had banded together to “confiscate” property, [...]

“About fifty-five boys enlisted and we are to go in Company E of the Eighth Iowa.”–Alexander G. Downing.

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Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry

Sunday, 18th–This morning attended the Methodist church and Sunday school at Posten’s Grove. Several Methodist brethren were received into the church. In the afternoon Mr. Wharton, the minister, delivered a patriotic speech and spoke of the war. He then called for volunteers and I put my name down to go for three years or during [...]

“I would prefer to move into Maryland for an assault upon Washington and a speedy close of the war.”–Letters from Elisha Franklin Paxton.

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Elisha Franklin Paxton – Letters from camp and field while an officer in the Confederate Army

Camp Harmon, Manassas, August 18, 1861. I promised in my letter of last Sunday to write to you every Sunday, and I will to-day, but I ought not, as you have not answered my last. I find abundance of employment in my new position, but I like it all the better on this account. The [...]

Civil War Day-By-Day

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Civil War Day-by-Day

August 18, 1861 A Chronological History of the Civil War in America1 Gen. Wool took command of Fortress Monroe. Skirmishes at Charleston, Mo. Sentinel office at Easton, Pa., destroyed by a mob—cause, secession proclivities. A Chronological History of the Civil War in America by Richard Swainson Fisher, New York, Johnson and Ward, 1863

Rebel War Clerk

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Civil War Day-by-Day

AUGUST 17th.—Some apprehension is felt concerning the President’s health. If he were to die, what would be the consequences? I should stand by the Vice-President, of course, because “it is so nominated in the bond,” and because I think he would make as efficient an Executive as any other man in the Confederacy. But others [...]

Extracts from the journal of Commander Semmes, C.S. Navy, commanding C.S.S. Sumter

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War of the Rebellion: from the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies and Navies

Saturday, August 17.—Morning clear, with a fresh breeze (from) the southward and eastward. Running along the coast in 10 fathoms water, the soundings very regular. Observed in latitude 5° 56′. Passed the mouth of the Maroni at about noon, and at 4 p.m. ran across a sand bank in very muddy water some 15 miles [...]

The Mutiny in the 79th Regiment, New-York Volunteers.—War Letters of William Thompson Lusk, at the time a lieutenant in the 79th.

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War Letters of William Thompson Lusk.

Maryland, Camp Causten, Aug. 17th, 1861. My dear Mother: This has been a busy and painful week for the officers of the Highland Regiment. You have seen various accounts of our troubles in the papers, but they contain nothing authentic, although perhaps about as much as an outsider can understand. The mutiny of Thursday is [...]

A Diary From Dixie

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Civil War Day-by-Day

August 17th.–Captain Shannon, of the Kirkwood Rangers, called and stayed three hours. Has not been under fire yet, but is keen to see or to hear the flashing of the guns; proud of himself, proud of his company, but proudest of all that he has no end of the bluest blood of the low country [...]

A Diary of American Events.–August 17, 1861

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The Rebellion Record – A Diary of American Events; by Frank Moore

August 17.–At Clarksburg, Virginia, this day, Gen. Rosecrans issued the following order in reference to the arrest and discharge of prisoners: Headquarters Army of Occupation Clarksburg, Western Va., Saturday, Aug. 17, 1861. Great looseness and irregularity prevail in the arrest and discharge of prisoners. Much care and discretion must be exercised in the arrest of [...]

Extracts from the journal of Commander Semmes, C.S. Navy, commanding C.S.S. Sumter

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War of the Rebellion: from the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies and Navies

Friday, August 16.— Morning clear, with passing trade clouds and a fresh wind from E. S. E., which has continued all the past night. At 5 a.m. dispatched the junior lieutenant and the paymaster to pay my respects to the governor, and ascertain whether I could be supplied with coal. These officers having proceeded to [...]

A Diary From Dixie

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Civil War Day-by-Day

August 16th.–Mr. Barnwell says, Fame is an article usually home made; you must create your own puffs or superintend their manufacture. And you must see that the newspapers print your own military reports. No one else will give you half the credit you take to yourself. No one will look after your fine name before [...]

Rebel War Clerk

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Civil War Day-by-Day

AUGUST 16th.—The President is sick, and goes to the country. I did not know until to-day that he is blind of an eye. I think an operation was performed once in Washington.

“Went with Westfall to the Provost Marshall office (Col Porter) for ‘pass’ to Virginia.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

FRIDAY 16 Went down to the Navy Yard this forenoon with F Sickels. The “Pensacola” Steamer is nearly completed. The little Tug Boat “Resolute” lay near her with three dead men on board who were killed near Mathias Point last night by the Rebels. Met Jas Westfall and Mr [Vanstetyne?] of Lyons, at the “Yard.” [...]

The Letters of Samuel Ryan Curtis

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The Letters of Samuel Ryan Curtis

Jefferson Barracks Mo August 16 1861 My dear wife Since my last letter matters have quieted down a little, and I still remain here in Command of the unarmed and undisciplined regiment that remains after I have sent away everything that could be of use for fighting purposes. Henry telegraphed that he would start over [...]