June 20th. Scouts brought in many prisoners. All were obliged to report to the General at headquarters. I very often heard the conversation. One question always asked. “Whose command do you belong to?” While on duty at the General’s headquarters we received a call from two citizens from our home town, Norwich, Dr. Charles M. [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 20TH.–This morning our whole line of artillery–seven miles long–opened on the doomed city and fortifications at six o’clock, and kept up the firing for four hours, during which time the smoke was so thick we could see nothing but the flash of the guns. No fog could [...]
JUNE 20th.—It has got out that the President intends to dispense with the services of Mr. Myers, the Jew Quartermaster-General, and Mr. Miles, member of Congress from South Carolina, who happens to be his friend, is characteristically doing the part of a friend for his retention. But he gives the President some severe raps for [...]
Lagrange, Tenn., June 19, 1863. The general and Sam went to Memphis yesterday to visit General Hurlbut, and the major and I have charge of the machine. The cavalry under command of Colonel Mizner went south last Tuesday. They have a good sized object in view, and if they succeed will be gone some ten [...]
June 19th.—Gen. Lee telegraphs from Culpepper Court House yesterday, that Gen. Rhodes captured Martinsburg, Sunday, 14th inst., taking several guns, over 200 prisoners, and a supply of ammunition and grain. Our loss was only one killed and two wounded. The Secretary of the Navy is in bad odor for ordering out the Atlanta at Savannah [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 19TH.–For a month we have been watching our enemy vigilantly, and a panorama, consisting of a great variety of war scenes, has, during that time, passed before us. We have had charging, digging rifle-pits, blowing up forts and firing all sizes of cannon, to say nothing of [...]
JUNE 18th.—From Winchester we have many accounts, in the absence of official reports (Gen. Lee being too busy in the saddle to write), which have exalted our spirits most wonderfully. The number of prisoners taken, by the lowest estimate is 5000,—the others say 9000,—besides 50 guns, and an immense amount of stores. Our own loss [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 18TH.–I was relieved from guard at 9 A.M. and returned to camp. There has been very heavy firing all day, and it is rumored that Pemberton will try to break through our lines; but if he tries that game he will find it dangerous enough. It is [...]
June 17th. I must write something somewhere, I don’t care if dinner is ready, and Brother’s “safe old Secesh “downstairs! Lydia has another boy! Letter has just come, and I am demented about my new godchild! There now! feel better! One more word – it shall be called “Howell.” Dear, blessed little baby! how I [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 17TH–I was detailed to the charge of a squad of men to guard rebel prisoners in the corral at Logan’s headquarters. They were not hard to guard, for they think themselves in pretty good hands, and surely they seem to get better grub here than in their [...]
JUNE 17th.—The city has been gladdened by the reception of this dispatch from Gen. Lee : “JUNE 15th, 1863. “HIS EXCELLENCY, JEFFERSON DAVIS. “God has again crowned the valor of our troops with success. Early’s division stormed the enemy’s intrenchments at Winchester, capturing their artillery, etc. “(Signed)R. E. LEE, General.” Subsequent reports to the press [...]
June 17, 1863, The Charleston Mercury (CORRESPONDENCE OF THE MERCURY.) RICHMOND, Saturday, June 13. Night before last, Gen. LEE was telegraphed in regard to the enemy’s approach by way of the Chickahominy. His answer was received forty minutes after the despatch to him left the War Office. Its nature is unknown, but some believe he [...]
June 16th. Up very early this morning. All Major Peale could muster of the 18th Regiment was only thirty members. The rest of those who escaped were with Captain Matthewson, they taking a different route from Major Peale who followed the route taken by General Milroy. After breakfast of hardtack and coffee, the Major marched [...]
JUNE 16th.—We have nothing from the West to-day. But it is believed that Hooker is retiring toward Manassas—that fatal field—where another (and the third) battle may be fought. Lee’s army is certainly on the march, and a collision of arms cannot be averted many days. It is believed Gen. Ewell, successor of Jackson, has beaten [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 16TH.–We were relieved before daylight, and returned to camp pretty tired. I did not feel well last night, and having had no chance to sleep, I am a little the worse for wear this morning. There was not much firing done during the night, but we had [...]
June 15th. Last night we were under arms, ready for a call to duty at any moment. Prisoners report that Ewell has about forty thousand men with eighty cannon under his command. While in the fort waiting for orders we talked over the events that might happen when daylight came. About 2 A. M. we [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 15TH.–Our regiment went into the rifle-pits again before daylight, at which time the din of musketry and cannonading from both sides had begun, and will cease only when darkness covers the earth. We are now so close to Fort Hill that a hard tack was tossed into [...]
JUNE 15th.—The enemy have abandoned the vicinity of Fredericksburg, falling back across the river, and probably retiring toward Alexandria, or else they have taken to their transports, and intend making another effort to capture Richmond. It is rumored that Gen. Ewell has taken Winchester ; but this, I think, is at least premature. Certainly the [...]
June 14th. Last night our position was changed from the south to the east side of the town, on the Berryville road. The night was a very dark, stormy one, with severe lightning and thunder. We were wet through. Not allowed fires as it might draw the enemy’s fire. Passed a very uncomfortable night. This [...]
Sunday, June 14th. The excitement about Port Hudson and Vicksburg is intense. When I heard on Friday that the last attack was being made on the former place, I took to my prayers with a delirium of fervor. If I was a man, if I had the blessed privilege of fighting, I would be on [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 14TH–Sunday. No bells to ring us to church. I wish we had one day in seven for rest and freedom from care; but there is no such thing now for the soldier. It is shoot, shoot, dodge, dodge, from morning to night, without cessation, except when we [...]
JUNE 14th.—W___ll, one of the Winder detectives that fled to Washington last year, is back again. But the Mayor has arrested him as a spy, and it is said a lady in the city can prove his guilt. Gem Winder wanted to bail him; but the Mayor was inexorable, and so W___ll is in the [...]
June 13th. Turned out very early this morning. Waiting for orders to march. While waiting for orders our cavalry scouts are coming in, reporting the enemy coming down the valley in force. Somewhat of a surprise, they having come through the mountain passes in the night, making a forced march. While near the Colonel’s quarters [...]
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd JUNE 13TH.–The siege continues with increased fury, and the boom of cannon announces the sacrifice of more lives. Instead of any cessation the artillery plays upon the city almost every moment throughout the day. The variety of [...]
JUNE 13th.—Col. Baylor, of Arizona, has been heard from again. He confesses that he issued the order to slaughter the Apaches in cold blood, and says it is the only mode of dealing with such savages. The President indorses on it that it is “a confession of an infamous crime.” Yesterday the enemy appeared on [...]