March, Wednesday 30, 1864

It seems I can never go to Memphis without some disagreeable arrangements and sayings. I was greatly disappointed in my trip. Tate and I went together. I stoped at Mrs. Facklen’s on Union St.—she went on up to Cousin Frazor’s in the buggy—Mrs. Facklen and Mrs. Kirk in great distress, old Hurbbut gave her ten days to abandon her house, she took and old Yankee Officer, his Wife & two children to board with her, hoping he would recall the heartless order to make her and her little children homeless. I did not smuggle a thing through the lines, except some letters. Mr. Tommery gave me a permit to bring 2 Gals Whiskey and 5 bbs Tobacco—which I got home safely. Frazor came out in the buggy with me, Cousin Mat and Tate came together, we did not have any trouble at all—they all sat up very late in the Parlor, I came to my room early. Jim and Mr. Pugh came with me to try my whiskey—which they pronounced very good.

I received a letter from Mrs. Moses today—and am really distressed she did not receive the last I forwarded to her. Forrest is having his own way in Kentucky—God grant Eddie may be safe.

29th. Reached paroled camp at Annapolis before daylight. Passed the day in camp. No stores and no wood. Good time chatting, laughing and fooling. In evening played a game of chess with Major Nettleton. Slept with him at Post Quartermaster’s, Maj. Carpenter from Akron. Camp very pleasant. Barber shop, reading room, chapel, news depot, neat buildings and good soil.

Tuesday, 29th–I attended a supper this evening given for the veterans of my company, at the home of Mr. J. W. Stanton on York Prairie. On account of the bad weather, dark night and muddy roads, there were not many there, but we had a fine supper and a pleasant evening with friends.

CAMP NEAR ORANGE C. H., March 29, 1864.

My Dear Mother:
I wrote you a short letter only a few days ago, but as some little excitement outside of our regular routine of duty has occurred within the past few days, I thought I would drop you a little history of it. Governor Vance arrived among us last Friday evening, and was the guest of General Daniel. He delivered a speech before that Brigade last Saturday evening. ALL the Generals of note in this army were present and on the stage with him, embracing Generals Lee, Ewell, A. P. Hill, Stewart, Wilcox, Rodes and a good many others whose names I did not know; there were some twelve or fifteen in number. I did not hear but a part of the speech, as the crowd was so large that I could not get in a hundred yards of him.

Yesterday there was a grand review of all the North Carolina troops that is in this Corps, by Gov. Vance, including the Cavalry. After the review the troops were all arranged around a stage erected for the purpose in the camp of the Thirtieth Regiment, and he addressed them with a speech of three or four hours length. He had the whole assembly in an uproar in less than two minutes after he arose. He said it did not sound right to him to address us as “Fellow Soldiers,” because he was not one of us—he used to be until he shirked out of the service for a little office down in North Carolina, so now he would address us as “Fellow Tar Heels,” as we always stick.

I was in a good place to hear every word that he said, and I don’t think I ever listened to a more able speech of the kind in my life. It was very able and deep, interspersed with anecdotes, illustration of his subject, which kept the men from feeling fatigued. The review took up some two hours, marching all over the fields, and then we had to stand up all the while the speech was being delivered. Nearly the whole camp was there, in fact, there were thousands that could not hear him from their distance. There was some dozen or two ladies present. After Gov. Vance got through, the crowd called for General Early. He arose and spoke a short time, then General Rodes; after he was through Gov. Vance arose again and said he must talk a little more, too. He related two or three anecdotes relative to the Yankee characters and then retired amidst deafening “Rebel Yells.” This morning it’s cold and has just commenced raining. I think it will end in a snow. The last of the big snow has gone. Clarke’s mountain is covered yet. I forgot to tell you that I received your letter night before last. My love to all.

Believe me, as ever, yours, etc.
WALTER.

Letters from two brothers who served in the 4th North Carolina Infantry during the Civil War are available in a number of sources online.  Unfortunately, the brothers are misidentified in some places as Walter Lee and George Lee when their names were actually Walter Battle and George Battle. See The Battle Brothers for more information on the misidentification.

MARCH 29tgh.—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?

March 29th. Arrived in Baltimore early this morning. Nothing happened to mar the pleasure of the journey. All were soon out of the cars, line quickly formed, ready to march from the Camden Street station to the Philadelphia R. R. station, on the east side. Our march led through Pratt Street, the scene of the attack on the 6th Massachusetts regiment in April, 1861, by the Baltimore toughs, who claimed to be in sympathy with the South.

March 29th. At the Philadelphia station a train was soon made ready for us, which we quickly boarded, and were soon under way, passing the scenes of our first soldier life, Camp Emory and Fort Marshall. These were points of interest to us, and very pleasant recollections. After an uneventful trip we arrived in Philadelphia late this P. M. Ordered out of the cars, line formed for marching, stopping at a place known as the Cooper Shop, where a good dinner was served by the ladies of Philadelphia. It was a very pleasant occasion in our lives, never to be forgotten. Again journeying on towards New York. Our train being special was often side-tracked and we were forced to wait.

March, Tuesday 29. 1864

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken—Proverbs—

I am sitting in my little room alone, with the exception of my little family, who are more inclined to the silent embrace of Morpheus than any pleasures the quiet of my own society could give. Father was tired, went to his room early, gave us permission to sit up until 11 o’clock. I availed myself of it for a short time—finally withdrew to a more quiet scene, leaving Mr. Harbut, Mr. Pugh and Jim together with the girls, haveing a gay time. I have spent the day, how? I think it is how, Mr. Pugh & I played drafts most of the time, he beat me badly. I wonder in after years if I can recall this day, and imagine the same feeling of je ne sais quoi which I have experienced, there is a bright day fast approaching, I can’t say why, but I feel it—oh! my beautiful savior, only teach my heart to be pure and good, let no unholy thought or action lead me astray oh! keep me near thee, let thy influence and protection guide me from wickedness, in the paths of righteousness—hasten the day I am to be free from this melancholy—then I will prove my punishment has been great enough, and through my afflictions I am a child of God—oh! give me thy love, make me a christian. God bless my Brothers, and my dear old Father—

Monday, 28th. Passed through Martinsburg and Harper’s Ferry. Saw John Brown’s engine house, a very strong position indeed. Great amount of work on the road, 13 trains passed us this morning going west. Road along the Potomac many miles. Passed Relay House about 9 A. M. Annapolis Junction at 10 P. M. Tried to get the landlord up to get some supper. Great time. After rattling away at doors and windows, got up on roof to window where there was a light. People nearly frightened to death. One woman about eight months gone–man feared for her. Officers went to saloon and then back to cars.

Monday, 28th–I went to Tipton on horseback today, accompanied by John D. Moore, who enlisted in Company E of the Eleventh Iowa Infantry. All of the Inland boys who went before have re-enlisted as veterans, and four or five others besides John Moore are going to enlist in our company and go to the front when we return. I saw several of the boys of my company today, who live at Tipton.

March, Monday 28, 1864

Tate and Anna Nelson went to Memphis this morning—got back safe Mr. Tommerry gave Tate up all of her things the U. S. G. confiscated, she brought them all safe through the lines, they belong to Mr. Wallace, who will be delighted to hear they are recovered. Mr. Harbut & Jim went off scouting, did not return until late this evening. We have had glorious news today—Mo. McCulloch captured Germantown, & still moving forward. Forrest is having glorious victory in Kentucky—Hickman & Paducah, both held by our forces—the Yanks are shelling Paducah. We are not afraid of Gun Boats—Father of justice and mercy, crown our armies with victory, drive the wicked tyrants from our Sunny land—we humbly crave thy pardon & blessing—oh! give us peace—guide my Bros, protect them from harm.

I made my white swiss skirt, played drafts with Mr. Pugh, he beat me badly—trimed the Rose trees—have spent a very pleasant day—and am so happy tonight after the good news—God bless our dear Soldiers and Officers.

I worship Jeff Davis and every Rebel in Dixie—

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 Fredericksburg, and attempted, without success, to cross. A copy of this was immediately sent to Gen. Lee.

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, Savannah, Ga., informs the Secretary that he (L.) has command of five steamers, and that he can easily make arrangements with the (Federal) commandant of Fort Pulaski to permit them to pass and repass. His proposition to the government is to bring in munitions of war, etc., and take out cotton, charging one-half for freight. Mr. Memminger having seen this, advises the Secretary to require the delivery of a cargo before supplying any cotton. Mr. M. has a sort of jealousy of Mr. Lamar.

March 28th. Camp Hill, Bolivar Heights. Early this morning received orders to prepare three days’ rations. Reported we are to go up the valley, scouting. Waiting for orders. At noontime rumors began to circulate that the regiment was ordered home to vote. The news seemed too good to be true. Orders came to detail two men from each company to remain as camp guard. Those who were detailed to remain felt very badly. All were anxious to see home. At this time the anti-war party was very strong in Connecticut, which may seem very strange. They were called copper-heads. Late in the afternoon orders came to fall in. A gay and happy crowd, marching and singing as we go down through Harper’s Ferry, where a train was in waiting. Did not take us long to board the train, which soon got under way, bound for Baltimore. Singing, cheering, making merry as the train began to move, on over the Potomac River into Maryland.

Sunday, 27th. Reached Bellaire at 2:30 A. M. and were ferried across the river. Took the Baltimore and Ohio road before daylight. In box cars–plenty of straw. Very rough country. Fairmount, Grafton most important town today, junction of the two branches. Road ran along the Monongahela for a time, then the Cheat River. Passed through several tunnels, one nearly a mile long. Some very heavy grades–117 ft. per mile for 17 miles..

Monday, 27th.—Pickets firing at each other at Greenwood Mills, one and a half miles from home. Went back to camp at Dalton.

(Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

Sunday, 27th–I went with father to meeting today, in our old church at Inland, and attended the Communion of the Lord’s Supper with the Disciples. They have no minister at present, but meet every Lord’s Day to break bread. It rained nearly all day.

March, Sunday 27, 1864

Rather lazy, as it was Sunday—Laura fixed me a very nice breakfast which I enjoyed in my room. Helen & Nannie went home with Anna Nelson, all rode horseback, the girls did not stay very long. I spent the morning reading my Bible, finished the Acts today—took a long walk after dinner, with Beulah as a companion—she enjoyed it very much, especially the creek. Tate & Helen went to ride over on the Plank Road this evening, they did not hear any news —Mr. Harbut came this evening, brought me a package of letters from Capt. Henderson, to be mailed in Memphis, also a note for myself from the Capt, with it a Dixie newspaper, which I shall carry to Mr. Eyrich. I sent Capt. H. a package of Yankee papers in return. Forrest captured Union City Thursday, taking 800 prisoners. God grant he may be successful in all his attempts to gain our lost teritory. The Yanks as yet have not started after him, oh! heaven keep my Bro safe—All my little household asleep, and I am lonely, oh! so lonely. Staid in Parlor until 10 o’c, Father made us all retire—Mr. Harbut, Mr. Pugh & Jim he took with him—

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.

26th. Reached Columbus at 10 A. M. Took the Central Ohio. Never passed through the country before. Pleased with Newark and Zanesville. Country rough east.

The Family Together Again.

March 26. Broke camp and went over to Portsmouth, opposite Norfolk. Regiment arrived in the afternoon, bringing some 250 recruits. We are once more together and the regiment now numbers about 900 men. Towards night we were ordered out to Getty’s Station, about four miles west of Portsmouth.

Saturday, 26th–The friends of the boys in our company gave a dinner for us today at Mr. Ray’s, and father took me over. It was a cold, cloudy day and the roads were muddy, but all the friends came out and gave the boys a warm greeting—and a fine dinner we had. We all enjoyed ourselves and are thankful to those who got up this dinner for the returned soldiers. It would be fine soldiering if one could have such dinners in the army. May this war soon come to a close that all may enjoy home, and help where we are needed.

March, Saturday 26, 1864

Today everything in commotion, as it is a general cleaning up day. Laura did not give me possession of my room until 12 o’clock—have not set a stitch in sewing today. Mr. Pugh and I spent the morning playing Drafts—I beat him badly. After dinner he very kindly offered to fix my lock, so he & I with Gimlet and other instruments proceed to my little domicile to accomplish the task. I think I shall recommend him as a No 1 Carpenter—although he filled my eyes with sawdust—he fixed it very securely and nice—and I shall always think of and bless him, at the still hour of night, when thoughts and fears of a raide from the Yankees or Robbers are soothed only with it’s security, as my faithful slave Laura, my dog Beulah, & kitty Tippie Dora, are always securely in the arms of Morpheus. I feel so much better about our affairs, I think the bright day is fast approaching. Tate & Anna Nelson got safe from Memphis—Anna got her Bro’s horse through the lines—We have glorious news from Forrest, tomorrow I will give full particulars. God bless my Bro who is with him.

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!

March 26th, 1864.—I am so ashamed of myself. In all the excitement we have experienced and, yes, all this ill-timed gaiety, I forgot I had not finished the allotment of socks, which was to have been ready for the box, which is to be forwarded to the Army of the West. I have only three pairs ready and cousin Henry may come for them any day. Never mind, if I can stay awake to dance and play I can surely keep my eyes open to knit socks for our dear soldiers. Aunt Robinson, who is always forehanded and never “puts off for tomorrow what should be done today” has given me some disapproving looks but I have designs on her, though I have not told her yet. I must stop and-knit-knit-knit.

Susan Bradford is 18 years old when this entry was made.

Goldsboro, N. C., March 25, 1864.

We were two days coming back here from Bennettsville; and have Sherman’s receipt for another campaign and his promise of a little rest. Have a nice camp ground and will enjoy ourselves, I think.