JULY 1st.—The intelligence of the capture of Harrisburg and York, Pa., is so far confirmed as to be admitted by the officers of the Federal flag of truce boat that came up to City Point yesterday. Of the movements of Hooker’s army, we have the following information: “HEADQUARTERS, CAVALRY DIVISION, “June 27th, 1863…………. ………….“GENERAL:—I took [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd July 1ST.–Here we enter upon the patriotic month of July, and where and how we are to spend it is yet beyond our conjecture, for we never know in this kind of service what a day may bring forth. Preparations appear to have been made here for remaining [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 3OTH.–Our dreams were broken this morning at daylight by the bug’e call, and in a very few minutes the whole command was up and ready to march–their beds around the owners’ necks. Our woolen blankets are rolled up as tight as possible, having a rubber one [...]
JUNE 30th.—Dispatches from the West show that we still held Vicksburg at the last dates; and, moreover, Gen. Taylor (son of Zachary Taylor) had stormed and taken the enemy’s fortifications at Berwick’s Bay, with the bayonet. We took 1000 prisoners, 10 large cannon, and many stores. Also that we had taken Thibbodauxville, and have thus [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 29TH.–The 4th of July is fast approaching, and if we do not get our prize by that time, we will have a little celebration out here in the woods, for we have flags, drums and plenty of spread-eagle speakers, and we can omit the cannon, of [...]
JUNE 29th.—There is no confirmation of the report of the fall of Vicksburg, but it may be so; nor is it certain that we have advanced to Harrisburg, but it is probable. Gen. D. H. Hill writes (on Saturday) from Petersburg that 40,000 of the enemy could not take Richmond; but this may be fishing [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 28TH.–The boys of the 20th left at Vicksburg joined our regiment to-day. We were very anxious to hear how the siege was progressing, and, to our surprise, learned that it was going right on as usual, without our assistance. It was interesting to hear of the [...]
JUNE 28th.—By order of Brig.-Gen. G. W. Custis Lee, the department companies were paraded to-day, armed and equipped. These, with the militia in the streets (armed by the government to-day), amounted to several thousand efficient men for the batteries and for guard duty. They are to rendezvous, with blankets, provisions, etc., upon the sounding of [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd June 27TH.–A number of our boys went a few miles, blackberrying, and picked quite a quantity to bring home, when we heard the sound of horses’ hoofs, and suddenly concluding we had berries enough, we beat a hasty retreat for camp and got there safely. The weather [...]
JUNE 27th.—An officer of the Signal Corps reported, yesterday, the force of Gen. Keyes, on the Peninsula, at 6000. To-day we learn that the enemy is in possession of Hanover Junction, cutting off communication with both Fredericksburg and Gordonsville. A train was coming down the Central Road with another installment of the Winchester prisoners (some [...]
Friday, June 26th. O praise the Lord, O my soul! Here is good news enough to make me happy for a month! Brother is so good about that! Every time he hears good news on our side, he tells it just as though it was on his side, instead of on ours; while all bad [...]
Jackson, Tenn., June 26, 1863. Such splendid weather—nice, fresh breezes ruffling the leaves on the trees all the day long—and plenty of rain to keep the dust in order. I was up early this morning and the mocking birds were playing a reveille, from whose sweetness bees might make honey. There are hundreds of these [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 26TH.–We have heard that Port Hudson is ours, and I hope this may be true, for it will tend to hasten the surrender of Vicksburg. A little dirt has been thrown up ahead of us, as a shield, in case we have to fight the [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 25TH.–We have orders to stay in camp, ready to move at a moment’s notice. Our marching orders are still delayed, so we have enjoyed a good rest. We are now out of hearing of the guns at Vicksburg, and it seems very still around us, indeed. [...]
JUNE 25th.—The excitement has subsided. No doubt small detachments of the enemy were seen at the places indicated, and Gen. Elzey (who some say had been drinking) alarmed the Governor with a tale of horror. The reports came through Gen. Winder’s detectives, one-half of whom would rather see the enemy here than not, and will [...]
June 24th. Orders received from General Hooker to evacuate the Maryland Heights. All supplies and munitions that could be moved loaded on canal boats and taken to Washington by way of the Ohio & Chesapeake Canal. Great quantity of stores was left, salt beef, pork, beans, rice, coffee, and sugar. Some of it was gathered [...]
JUNE 24th._We have nothing additional from Vicksburg or from the Potomac, but there is a rumor of fighting near Leesburg. The first installment of Winchester prisoners reached the city yesterday, 1600 in number, and there are over 4000 more on the way. So much for Milroy’s 2000 or 3000! To-day the President desired the Secretary [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 24TH.– Awaiting orders to march is as tiresome as waiting at a station for a train. We were ready for marching orders again this morning, but failed to get them. The weather is hot. Some of the rebel prisoners have said we could not stand [...]
JUNE 23d.—From the army on the Potomac we have a dispatch from Lee, saying there have been several cavalry engagements during the last week, wherein our arms were successful. Lee will soon electrify us with another movement of his grand army,—such is the general belief. From the West we learn that on Saturday last, Grant, [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 23d.–We halted this morning at six o’clock, and but a few minutes elapsed before two-thirds of the regiment were fast asleep. A few very hungry ones, only, made coffee and took breakfast. We find ourselves again on the road to Jackson, but what our final [...]
JUNE 22d.—To-day I saw the memorandum of Mr. Ould, of the conversation held with Mr. Vallandigham, for file in the archives. He says if we can only hold out this year that the peace party of the North would sweep the Lincoln dynasty out of political existence. He seems to have thought that our cause [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 22D.–Johnston is getting lively again, and beginning to kick up a dust in the rear; so we have orders to move tonight, with three days’ cooked rations. One regiment from each brigade in Logan’s division constitute our expedition, which, I think, will find him, and if [...]
Sunday, June 21st. How about that oath of allegiance? is what I frequently ask myself, and always an uneasy qualm of conscience troubles me. Guilty or not guilty of perjury? According to the law of God in the abstract, and of nations, Yes; according to my conscience, Jeff Davis, and the peculiar position I was [...]
June 21st.—To-day we have an account of the burning of Darien, Ga. The temptation is strong for our army to retaliate on the soil of Pennsylvania.
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 21ST.–To-day again church bells at the North are calling good people to worship, and to hear words of cheer and comfort to the soul. The prayers of our patriotic mothers and fathers that will go up to-day for the suppression of this rebellion will surely have [...]