March, Tuesday 8, 1864

Cousin Mat, Frazor and Joanna went in town this morning. Joanna was to have returned this evening, did not come. We heard what the Yanks were after—old Frank the detective carried them to Felix Davis’s and took him and his wife both to Memphis, they are now in the Irving Block, we did not hear the offence, only ’twas some old grudge he had against Mr. Davis. They stole a good deal from Widow Hildebrand’s but she has taken the oath, and I don’t care much. I pity poor Mr. & Mrs. Davis, they have been so kind to our Soldiers.

Nannie Perkins came home this morning. Joe Clayton—Memphis Light Dragoons—came on short furlough. Tate & I are going after Mrs. Clayton & Hal tomorrow. We all spent the evening in the Parlor, singing and playing. I am almost crazy with my spine, took a dose of Morphine, I am in so much pain it does not affect me—All spent day in my room sewing—Laura and Beulah in, Tip not arrived. Oh! I am so lonely, and suffering so much.

March 8th. A cold, wet, disagreeable night for picket duty. We are about as miserable as we can be. When off duty we find shelter in an old barn, until the arrival of our tents. Maryland mud is fully as bad as Virginia. Trying to make the best of our condition, hoping for sunshine and warmer weather. All is quiet along the picket line. Once in a while the boys take chances and shoot at the turkey buzzards, sailing through the air.

7th. At 10 A. M. went to the east side with Roxena. Fine Arts Hall and then for bath. P. M. called at Mr. Barnitz’, Bys’, Mrs. Cobb’s and Cous. Brougham’s. Fannie and I rode out–E. Cleveland, etc. Enjoyed myself hugely. We also went to hear Anna Dickinson. “Words for the Hour.” After lecture, walked and talked over our love affairs, and discussed our relations and feelings. Had it not been for a few hindrances and contingencies, I think we would have engaged ourselves. Under the circumstances I could and would not entertain the thought. I love the girl and hope she loves me. God forbid that we should ever be married to be unhappy, if ever done must be mutual self-sacrifice from choice. God help and bless both of us.

Tuesday, March 7th.—Witnessed solemn scene to-day. Made to go out and see Isaac Evans shot for leaving Company G of our regiment and joining Home Guards.

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

A Reunion.

March 7. Left Camp West on the 3d, arriving at Yorktown in the afternoon. Here our officers tried to get transportation but were ordered to move on. Went on about six miles below Yorktown, and on coming to an old church in the woods halted for the night. This was a brick building with nothing but the bare walls and roof, the floors, windows and finish having been removed. We gathered what wood we could find and kindled a fire inside; the night was cold and wood scarce, so that we passed a very uncomfortable night, not sleeping a wink. We took an early start in the morning, reaching the News about the middle of the afternoon, where we rejoined about 200 of the boys who first went home. We were glad to once more see each other, and the greetings were cordial among both officers and men. We introduced our new officers to our old ones, and when our new officers were about leaving us, as a slight expression of our regard for them, we shook hands with them and gave them three rousing cheers.

Monday, 7th–The Thirteenth Regiment started for Iowa today on their thirty-day furlough. Our regiment received three months’ pay, and all who re-enlisted were given a part of their bounty money, $160.00 each. The bounty, with my regular pay, after settling for six months’ clothing, $8.00, gave me $207.00.

MARCH 7th.—Bright and frosty morning; cloudy and warm in the evening. Cannon and musketry were heard this morning some miles northwest of the city. Probably Gen. Hampton fell in with one of the lost detachments of the raiders, seeking a way of escape. This attempt to surprise Richmond was a disgraceful failure.

The Secretary of War has gone up to his farm for a few days to see the extent of injury done him by the enemy.

Mr. Benjamin and Assistant Secretary Campbell are already “allowing” men to pass to the United States, and even directly to Washington. Surely the injury done us by information thus conveyed to the enemy hitherto, ought to be a sufficient warning.

Gen. Bragg has resolved to keep a body of 1500 cavalry permanently within the city and its vicinity.

March, Monday 7, 1864

The quiet of our life was disturbed today by the arrival of 150 Yankees—only two came to the house. We gave them their dinner. Mr. Wilson and Decatur were down in the Orchard. Helen sent for them to come and capture the Yanks, we saw the rest coming, & Tate and I ran to tell them it was too great a risk. Mr. W. and D. were nearly to the gate, I was  never so excited—we turned them in time, the two Yanks passed while we were standing there. Mr. W. and D. came to the house and spent some time with us, when Mr. W. followed the Yankees. They returned about 9 o’c on their way to Memphis. D. and Cousin F. had a run again, with the horses, but fortunately none of them came in.

I have not done any work today, have suffered death with my spine. Tate and Helen at work in my room all day—I sat in Tate’s room until bed time. Beulah, Laura, and Tip all in time—I amused myself reading Artemus Wards book.

We did not hear what the Yanks went for, we heard from Eddie and the boys, all safe. One of Henderson’s scouts arrived.

March 7th. Broke camp early this morning. Marched through town. Boarded a train of box cars at the station. Headed east. Stopped at Harper’s Ferry. Five companies ordered to go in camp on Bolivar Heights. The train with five companies proceeded on, over the Potomac River into Maryland about ten miles farther, stopping at the Point of Rocks, near the Potomac, ten miles from Harper’s Ferry. Companies C and I ordered off the train. The other three companies continued on to Monocacy Junction. As soon as our company was ordered out I was detailed for picket duty. Posted near the ford leading over into Virginia. Here we were obliged to use the river water. The current ran very swift at this point.

March 7th.–Shopping, and paid $30 for a pair of gloves; $50 for a pair of slippers; $24 for six spools of thread; $32 for five miserable, shabby little pocket handkerchiefs. When I came home found Mrs. Webb. At her hospital there was a man who had been taken prisoner by Dahlgren’s party. He saw the negro hanged who had misled them, unintentionally, in all probability. He saw Dahlgren give a part of his bridle to hang him. Details are melancholy, as Emerson says. This Dahlgren had also lost a leg.

Constance Cary, in words too fine for the occasion, described the homely scene at my house; how I prepared sandwiches for my husband; and broke, with trembling hand, the last bottle of anything to drink in the house, a bottle I destined to go with the sandwiches. She called it a Hector and Andromache performance.

Scottsboro, Ala., March 6, 1864.

By marching 21 miles on the railroad ties we reached “home” yesterday, after an absence of 24 days, in which we traveled 280 miles. Altogether it was a very pleasant trip, although the first 10 nights were almost too cold for outdoor sleeping. I kept a “sort” of a diary of this trip in a memorandum book, and being too lazy to copy, tore out the leaves and mailed to you. You should receive three letters of that kind. One about the “Wills Valley” trip, one of the march from here to Cleveland, and the third of the trip from Cleveland to Dalton and back. The rain was pouring down when we received orders to start home from Chattanooga and it rained almost until night. We marched 16 miles without a rest, and did it in five hours. Did exactly the same thing next day, although it did not rain. This was from Oltewah to Chattanooga. In addition to this march I took a look over the part of Mission Ridge where our regiment fought, and also climbed Lookout mountain. The 103d, the brigade they were with, undoubtedly got the hottest part of the whole Lookout, and Mission Ridge fight. The nature of the ground was such that not a shot was fired by either side until they were within 200 yards of each other, when our men charged. Some of our boys were killed a little to the right of, but on a line with the Rebel guns. The trees and shrubs show marks of extraordinary hot musketry work. I cut a hickory walking stick right where our men commenced the charge. This hickory stood by an oak that I should think was hit by 400 musket and canister balls. It helped me later in the day to climb Lookout Mountain. I think the view from Lookout worth 1,000 miles travel. The high mountains of Western North Carolina, and the Blue Mountains of Virginia are very plainly seen from the summit. There is a summer retreat, some 40 or 50 nice houses with public hall and school on top.

6th. Sunday. Thede and I attended Prof. Thome’s church with the friends. Communion. Season of rich feasting. Benefited. P. M. went to S. S. Bible class. Adah sang S. S. hymns. Of course nearly went up. Evening heard Mr. Thome. Quiet visit with Adah.

Sunday, 6th–The weather is quite pleasant today, and has been for several days. We had company inspection early this morning, and in the afternoon we had preaching in camp, followed by dress parade at 5 o’clock.

6th March 1865

       I have no heart to write a journal now. The war goes on but so much distress and suffering. Charleston evacuated, Columbia sacked & burned, Cheraw[?], Winnsborough, Camden, Society Hill & other places visited by the Army of Sherman & sacked and burned. Our Army now under Johnston following Sherman and all things in gloom & trouble. Arthur & Berkley are with the troops from the Coast in Raleigh & Hillsborough. Lewis was with us for 10 days, looking quite well, he is now with the Army in North Carolina. Harry received an appointment from the Gov, for the Arsenal, & to day left us for Greenville where they are to be located. This has been a great trial to me for he is the youngest and not yet sixteen. I fear all the fatigue & hardship he will not be able to stand; and my heart yearns over this child. He left a very good school for this appointment and they have no books to educate the Cadets.—My only comfort is in prayer.

       Gabriella & Charlotte have a nice little School of 7 scholars, there were 8 but one has left not being able to get board.—Gabriella teaches 3 girls Music she gets $35 per Month for the School & $20 for the Music.—

       The mails are all broken up Couriers take letters round. Elizabeth is rich she came up to see Lewis.—This is near the end of September, and since May —

MARCH 6th.—My birthday—55. Bright and frosty; subsequently warm and pleasant. No news. But some indignation in the streets at the Adjutant-General’s (Cooper) order, removing the clerks and putting them in the army, just when they had, by their valor, saved the capital from flames and the throats of the President and his cabinet from the knifes of the enemy. If the order be executed, the heads of the government will receive and merit execration. It won’t be done.

March, Sunday 6, 1864

A bright and beautiful day. Tate and Nannie went to Church. Col. Perkins came home with them to take Nannie home with him. Prior leaves for the Army in the morning, was anxious to see Nannie before he left. Tate saw Cousin Cambell, just arrived from Dixie, no news—waters up—Telegraph all destroyed—floating rumors that Sherman had arrived safely in Vicksburgh, Forrest moving this way—that is glorious news for us. Cousin Mat, Frazor and Joanna came from Memphis about 10 o’c. Mary was delighted with the arrival of Frazor. Joanna went to the Provost Marshall yesterday to get her a pass, and he started to arrest her, thought it was me. I heard some good news, she heard one of the 4th. U. S. R. swear he would shoot old Gibbert, the dutch detective.

I have not received a letter for over two weeks, and expect old Williams has intercepted them in the Post Office—oh! God, how long, how long must we suffer—

Beulah has run off again tonight. Laura, Tip and I alone. Laura and Bettie said a good lesson—we all sat in the Parlour after Tea. One month today since Jimmie left for Europe.

March 6th. Sunday. Cloudy and cold. Attended church in town. Wrote letters. Late this afternoon marching orders received. Leave camp on the morrow for parts unknown to us. Soldiers must obey orders and not ask questions. At times some movements look very foolish to us. We often wish the war was over and we could go marching homeward. The people suffer very much from the effects of the war. Thankful it is no nearer to old Connecticut. The guerillas and scouts keep us on the alert all the time as they are liable to show up at any time. They raid trains on the B. & O. R. R. Seem to know when they can make a good haul.

5th. Rain and snow. After dinner Fannie and I went to Fine Arts Hall. Very pleasant time. Called at Mrs. Cobb’s. Went to Uncle Jones’ to tea. Company, Mr. Kingsley, Chas. Spencer and Mrs. Turner. Passable evening.

March.

Dead! Dead! Both dead! O my brothers! What have we lived for except you? We, who would have so gladly laid down our lives for yours, are left desolate to mourn over all we loved and hoped for, weak and helpless; while you, so strong, noble, and brave, have gone before us without a murmur. God knows best. But it is hard – O so hard! to give them up. . . .

If we had had any warning or preparation, this would not have been so unspeakably awful. But to shut one’s eyes to all dangers and risks, and drown every rising fear with “God will send them back; I will not doubt His mercy,” and then suddenly to learn that your faith has been presumption–and God wills that you shall undergo bitter affliction – it is a fearful awakening! What glory have we ever rendered to God that we should expect him to be so merciful to us? Are not all things His, and is not He infinitely more tender and compassionate than we deserve?

We have deceived ourselves wilfully about both. After the first dismay on hearing of Gibbes’s capture, we readily listened to the assertions of our friends that Johnson’s Island was the healthiest place in the world; that he would be better off, comfortably clothed and under shelter, than exposed to shot and shell, half fed, and lying on the bare ground during Ewell’s winter campaign. We were thankful for his safety, knowing Brother would leave nothing undone that could add to his comfort. And besides that, there was the sure hope of his having him paroled. On that hope we lived all winter – now confident that in a little while he would be with us, [continue reading…]

Saturday, 5th–We are all glad to get back in camp again and to sleep in the bunks instead of lying on the ground in open bivouac. The boys spent the day in washing clothes and cleaning guns and accouterments.

MARCH 5th.—Clear and pleasant, after a slight shower in the morning.

The raid is considered at an end, and it has ended disastrously for the invaders.

Some extraordinary memoranda were captured from the raiders, showing a diabolical purpose, and creating a profound sensation here. The cabinet have been in consultation many hours in regard to it, and I have reason to believe it is the present purpose to deal summarily with the captives taken with Dahlgren, but the “sober second thought” will prevail, and they will not be executed, notwithstanding the thunders of the press. Retaliation for such outrages committed on others having been declined, the President and cabinet can hardly be expected to begin with such sanguinary punishments when their own lives are threatened. It would be an act liable to grave criticism. Nevertheless, Mr. Secretary Seddon has written a letter to-day to Gen. Lee, asking his views on a matter of such importance as the execution of some ninety men of Dahlgren’s immediate followers, not, as he says, to divide the responsibility, nor to effect a purpose, which has the sanction of the President, the cabinet, and Gen. Bragg, but to have his views, and information as to what would probably be its effect on the army under his command. We shall soon know, I hope, what Gen. Lee will have to say on the subject, and I am mistaken if he does not oppose it. If these men had been put to death in the heat of passion, on the field, it would have been justified, but it is too late now. Besides, Gen. Lee’s son is a captive in the hands of the enemy, designated for retaliation whenever we shall execute any of their prisoners in our hands. It is cruelty to Gen. Lee!

It is already rumored that Gen. Butler has been removed, and a flag of truce boat is certainly at City Point, laden with prisoners sent up for exchange.

The Commissary-General has sent in a paper saying that unless the passenger cars on the Southern Road be discontinued, he cannot supply half enough meal for Lee’s army. He has abundance in Georgia and South Carolina, but cannot get transportation. He says the last barrel of flour from Lynchburg has gone to the army.

We have news from the West that Morgan and his men will be in the saddle in a few days.

After all, Mr. Lyon’s house was not touched by any of the enemy’s shells. But one shell struck within 300 yards of one house in Clay Street, and not even the women and children were alarmed.

The price of a turkey to-day is $60.

March, Saturday 5, 1864

Nonconnah has fallen at last, and crowds of waggons are passing, loaded with provisions, in exchange for their cotton. Joanna and Cousin S. went to town this morning. Mr. Wilson came early and staid until after dinner with us. Tate, Helen, Nannie & Decatur all spent the day sewing in my room, Decatur excepted of course from the sewing—we had a pleasant time. Only this morning I did wish I was a man. I never read a more insulting note in my life than Father received from Dr. Malone. I will not stain the page of my book writing of such a dog, and hope God will give me strength to forgive it—

Cold Water and all streams below so high that we have no communication with Dixie—therefore have heard no news today. I would give anything if I could send the things I have for the poor soldiers—poor fellows, I know they need them—would to heaven I had money to get all I could bring through the lines. I finished my dress today, and made Laura a beautiful apron. 12 o’c, no Beulah yet. Laura, Tippie Dora & I alone, they asleep.

March 5th. Cold rain storm. A disagreeable day in camp. We are ready for duty at any time, no matter how bad the weather may be. We are starting on the fourth year of this awful war. Many more brave men must fall before the end comes.

March 5th.–Tom Fergurson walked home with me. He told me of Colonel Dahlgren’s[1] death and the horrid memoranda found in his pocket. He came with secret orders to destroy this devoted city, hang the President and his Cabinet, and burn the town! Fitzhugh Lee was proud that the Ninth Virginia captured him.

Found Mrs. Semmes covering her lettuces and radishes as calmly as if Yankee raiders were a myth. While “Beast” Butler holds Fortress Monroe he will make things lively for us. On the alert must we be now.

[1] Colonel Ulric Dahlgren was a son of the noted Admiral, John H. Dahlgren, who, in July, 1863, had been placed in command of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron and conducted the naval operations against Charleston, between July 10 and September 7, 1863. Colonel Dahlgren distinguished himself at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. The raid in which he lost his life on March 4, 1864, was planned by himself and General Kilpatrick.