A Confederate Girl’s Diary

A Confederate Girl’s Diary by Sarah Morgan Dawson

Bonfouca, Saturday, April 18th.

When I paused on Thursday to rest a few moments, how little idea I had that the rest I was taking would soon be required for another journey!

It was agreed among us, with our fellow travelers, Mrs. Bull and Mrs. Ivy, whom we met at Mrs. Greyson’s, endeavoring to reach the city like ourselves, that we would wait there until we could receive our passports from General Pemberton. When this journey was first seriously contemplated, Miriam wrote to Colonel Szymanski representing mother’s state of health and my unfortunate condition, the necessity of medical advice for both, and the impossibility of remaining in famishing Clinton, and asked him to apply to the General for a pass to go to Brother. The Colonel sent word through Eugene La Noue that we should obtain it in a few days, and advised us to go by way of Ponchatoula. Tired of delay, and hearing that we could pass as readily on General Gardiner’s order, we obtained one and started off without waiting for the other. The first news on arriving at Madisonville was that no one should pass except on General Pemberton’s order.

Pleasant intelligence for those who had come that far without! The other two ladies were in the same dilemma. They were told that they should have a pass if they would wait. Waiting at the expense of four dollars a day for each, – Mrs. Ivy with two very sick babies, Mrs. Bull with all her property in New Orleans at stake, Tiche with her broken foot, mother with a powerless hand, and I with an injured spine, – was anything but agreeable under the circumstances; though nothing could be more pleasant, apart from this sense of restriction, than our stay at Madisonville. General Pemberton took his leisure about the affair, which is not surprising, as our Generals have more weighty matters than women’s passports to attend to. Still, pleased as we were with our residence there, it was necessary to get on as soon as possible. So as I rested from labors about one o’clock on Thursday, Mrs. Bull came in to suggest a new plan to mother. It was to leave immediately for a plantation called Bonfouca, thirty miles off, where schooners came twice a week, and where we would be allowed to embark without a pass. Carriages that had just brought a party of ladies from Mandeville were waiting on the other side of the river, which could take us off immediately, for there was not a moment to lose.

Instantly we resolved to hazard the undertaking. [continue reading…]

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Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

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

Saturday, 18th–Weather pleasant. Had some rain this evening. Another large fleet loaded with troops passed down the river just after dark.

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Diary of a Southern Refugee, Judith White McGuire.

Diary of a Southern Refugee During the War by Judith White McGuire

18th.A letter from our son J. to-day; full of pleasant feeling at finding himself again in the Army of Northern Virginia. He is just established near General Jackson’s head-quarters, as Surgeon of the First Virginia Battalion; had just breakfasted with Stonewall, and is filled with enthusiastic admiration for the great Christian soldier and patriot.

The enemy seems to have left Charleston. The Northern papers, after much circumlocution, prevarication, and boasting of a successful reconnoissance, acknowledge that they were greatly injured by their last attack on it. “All quiet on the Rappahannock,” continues to be reported. God grant that it may continue so!

Yesterday spent-in the hospital; some of the men are very ill. I go back to-morrow.

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A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary at the Confederate States Capital, By John Beauchamp Jones
A likeness of Jones when he was editor and majority owner of the Daily Madisonian during President John Tyler’s administration.

April 18th.—We have nothing more from the Peninsula, Suffolk, N. C., or South Carolina; but it is rumored that the enemy’s gun-boats (seven or eight) have passed down the Mississippi in spite of our batteries at Vicksburg, which sunk one of them. If this be true, it is bad news.

We have lovely weather now, and vegetation shows signs of the return of the vernal season. We shall soon have blossoms and roses in abundance, and table vegetables too, to dispel the fears of famine. But we shall also have the horrid sounds of devastating war; and many a cheerful dame and damsel to-day, must soon put on the weeds of mourning.

Gen. Jos. E. Johnston has assumed the command of the army of Tennessee. Gen. Howell Cobb is preparing for the defense of Florida. We do not hear a word from Lee or Jackson—but this is the ominous silence preceding their decisive action.

Bacon fell to-day from $2 to $1.50 per pound, and butter from $3.50 to $3.25; potatoes are $16 per bushel. And yet they say there is no scarcity in the country. Such supplies are hoarded and hidden to extort high prices from the destitute. An intelligent gentleman from North Carolina told me, to-day, that food was never more abundant in his State; nevertheless, the extortioners are demanding there very high prices.

This evening we have dispatches (unofficial) confirmatory of the passing of Vicksburg by the enemy’s gun-boats. One of them was destroyed, and two disabled, while five got by uninjured. This is not cheering. No doubt an attack by land will be made, by superior numbers, and blood will gush in streams!

It is now said that Longstreet has captured two gun-boats in the Nansemond, and taken 600 prisoners; and that the Yankees in Norfolk have been thrown into great commotion. The general in command there, Veillé, has adopted very stringent measures to keep the people sympathizing with our cause in subjection. Perhaps he fears an outbreak.

The weather continues fine, and we must soon have important operations in the field.

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News of the Day
1860s newsprint

April 18, 1863, Savannah Republican (Georgia)

 Col. Foster’s Report under the $1,500,000 appropriations for clothing the Georgia troops, shows up to the 25th […..] March last he had issued on requisitions from Confederate Quartermasters, 4,648 hats, 4,556 coats, 5,288 pair pants, 4,858 pair drawers, 5,449 shirts, 6371 socks, 5,744 pairs shoes. He had then on hand 129 hats, 7,273 coats, 9,237 [?] pair pants, 11,867 pair drawers, 10,400 shirts, 1,976 pair socks, 5,878 pairs shoes. Also 12,983 yards osnaburgs, 18,850 yards shirtings, 6,410 yards kersey, 970 yards duck, 35,068 pounds leather. Expenditures and contract engagements to date amounted to $1,200,000. If it is intended to clothe the troops during the war he asks a further appropriation. He has purchased and is tanning several thousand pounds of green hides, and has sent agents to Savannah, Vicksburg and Texas to buy hides, leather and wool. The noble women of Georgia have responded patriotically in furnishing socks, and they are daily coming in.

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News of the Day

April 18, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The schedules of our local railroads, and their various connections, which went into effect towards the close of February, have been working with admirable satisfaction since, both to the several companies and the travelling community. Our railroads had been overtaxed by the immensely increased passenger and freight transportation incident to the war, and the blockade by water communication, so that close connections were rarely made, and a trip to Richmond or any distant point, which should be accomplished in twenty-eight or thirty hours, more frequently took three or four days. But since the running time has been lengthened an hour or two on each road, the trains can accomplish more, and there is a certainty of reaching your destination at a certain time, which greatly relieves the anxiety of previous travelling. Some of the Eating Houses on the several roads, notwithstanding the difficulties and disadvantages under which they labor, manage to feast the traveller bountifully. The Dinner and Supper House at Chester, on the Charlotte and South Carolina Railroad, Mr. GRAHAM’S Breakfast House at Sumter, on the Wilmington and Manchester Road, and the Kingville Hotel, are specially worthy of mention. We have recently seen some beef on Mr. KENNEDY’S table, at Kingville, equal to the best Fulton Market. The Wilmington and Manchester Road has lately added several new and elegant passenger cars, manufactured at Wilmington, to their rolling stock.

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News of the Day

April 18, 1863, The New York Herald

The latest news concerning the state of affairs around Suffolk, Va., is to the 16th inst. the attempts of the rebel Gen. Longstreet to cross the Nansemond river with the aid of pontoons were defeated by the fire of our artillery. One of our gunboats – the Mount Washington – was fired into and disabled by the rebel batteries while coming down the river on the 14th inst. She was, however, taken in tow and brought safely through the heavy fire of the enemy.

With regard to the news from the vicinity of Suffolk we may state that there is a good deal of feeling in this city relative to the shooting of Lieutenant Colonel Kimball by General Corcoran. The letters from Suffolk are conflicting in their statements, but the truth of the matter will, no doubt, be received on the return of the committee who went on for the body of Col. Kimball. We give in another column extracts of two letters from friends of Gen. Corcoran, which probably contain his version of the melancholy affair.

Our extracts from the Southern papers today are very interesting. The most important item is the full confirmation of our success over General Van Dorn at Franklin, Tenn. the rebels admit that their loss was heavy, and that they had to retreat after six hours’ hard fighting.

Our news relative to affairs at Charleston came from Fortress Monroe yesterday, on the authority of the Richmond papers. Everything was quiet there. Our troops are in occupation of Coles’ Island and the islands of Kiawah and Seabrook in considerable force. General Beauregard had issued a congratulatory order to the rebel troops in his usual bombastic style, conveying to them certain commendatory resolutions of the Legislature of South Carolina.

The only intelligence we have from the West is the statement of the Richmond papers, of the 16th inst., that two gunboats and three transports had been destroyed on the Cumberland river by Wheeler’s rebel cavalry.

By the arrival of the British Queen from Nassau, N.P., we learn that fourteen vessels from rebel ports had arrived there from the 16th of March to the 10th of this month, all bringing cargoes of cotton.

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News of the Day

April 18, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

JACKSON, April 17. – Eight Yankee gunboats passed Vicksburg last night. One was burned and two disabled; but five made a successful passage past our batteries.

It is rumored that a canal from Milliken’s bend will reach the Mississippi, near New Carthage.

It is believed that the enemy is erecting heavy batteries opposite Vicksburg, and that another attack will take place within ten days. All Yankee officers, absent from their posts opposite Vicksburg, have been ordered to report for duty. Four steamers left Memphis for Vicksburg a few days ago, laden with soldiers and negros.

No newspapers are allowed to be circulated in any of the Yankee armies below Cairo. The enemy is fortifying Rolla, on the railroad north of Memphis.

The Memphis Bulletin and the Memphis Argus have been suppressed and the editors arrested.

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Cruise of the U.S. Flag-Ship Hartford -Wm. C. Holton

April 17th. Commences with warm and pleasant weather. At five-thirty A. M., called all hands, and hove up anchor; got under way, and were once more stemming the current of the Mississippi, which is none other than a four-knot one, by the way. In many instances the residences of the rich and affluent planters or merchants looked to be deserted by the owners, and the overseer and negroes working in the fields were the only parties to be seen. What an example of the ravages of war! and how many fair ones occupy apartments in some of these dwellings, closed up, as I have said, as if they were haunted and deserted, who have a husband, father, brother, or other relative, in this war, fighting against their country, and, according as they have been made to believe by corrupt politicians and arch traitors, for their rights, their altars, and their firesides; when, if the truth were known, they had taken up arms to overthrow the best government the sun ever shone upon, and substituted a monarchy, placing bad men in power—a government for a few, not for a whole. How men can, in this enlighted age, become so deluded, is a wonder.

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War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

17th. In the morning got breakfast and brushed my clothes. Went to town with the Lt. to get five days’ rations. Saw Gen. Carter, a man slightly gray, whiskers and a good kind look. Took dinner on Co.’s account. 3rd Battalion came in. Saw Bob. Issued rations before dark. Wrote to Fannie in the evening. Ordered to march to Somerset at 10. Up till 2 A. M. Then slept again till morning.

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Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

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

Friday, 17th–The Sixth Division was reviewed today by General McArthur. We heard some very heavy cannonading last night down toward Vicksburg. The report is that four gunboats and six transports with five hundred thousand rations on board ran the blockade. Another large fleet loaded with troops went down the river today.

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Diary of a Southern Refugee, Judith White McGuire.

Diary of a Southern Refugee During the War by Judith White McGuire

17th.On going to the hospital yesterday, I found that young Stansberry had died, surrounded by sympathizing friends, and having a bright hope of a blessed immortality. We are anxious about our armies everywhere, from the Mississippi to the seaboard. Rumours are rife about General Longstreet having thrown his forces between Norfolk and the Yankee army at Suffolk. In the mean time we must possess our souls in patience.

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A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary at the Confederate States Capital, By John Beauchamp Jones
A likeness of Jones when he was editor and majority owner of the Daily Madisonian during President John Tyler’s administration.

APRIL 17th.—From the Northern papers we learn that the defeat at Charleston is called by the enemy a RECONNOISSANCE.

This causes us much merriment here; McClellan’s defeat was called a “strategical movement,” and “change of base.”

We have some rumors to-day, to the effect that Gen. Hill is likely to take Washington and Newbern, N. C.; Gen. Longstreet, Suffolk; and Gen. Wise, Fort Magruder, and the Peninsula—he has not troops enough.

Gold advanced 7 per cent. in New York when the news of the “reconnoissance” reached that city.

We are planting almost every acre in grain, to the exclusion of cotton and tobacco–resolved never to be starved, nor even feel a scarcity of provisions in future. We shall be cutting wheat in another month in Alabama and other States.

Among the other rumors, it is said Hooker is falling back toward Washington, but these are merely rumors.

The President is in a very feeble and nervous condition, and is really threatened with the loss of sight altogether. But he works on; and few or no visitors are admitted. He remains at his dwelling, and has not been in the executive office these ten days.

Col. Lay was merry again to-day. He ordered in another foreign substitute (in North Carolina).

Pins are so scarce and costly, that it is now a pretty general practice to stoop down and pick up any found in the street. The boarding-houses are breaking up, and rooms, furnished and unfurnished, are rented out to messes. One dollar and fifty cents for beef, leaves no margin for profit, even at $100 per month, which is charged for board, and most of the boarders cannot afford to pay that price. Therefore they take rooms, and buy their own scanty food. I am inclined to think provisions would not be deficient, to an alarming extent, if they were equally distributed. Wood is no scarcer than before the war, and yet $30 per load (less than a cord) is demanded for it, and obtained.

The other day Wilmington might have been taken, for the troops were sent to Beauregard. Their places have since been filled by a brigade from Longstreet. It is a monstrous undertaking to attempt to subjugate so vast a country as this, even with its dis­parity of population. We have superior facilities for concentration, while the invader must occupy, or penetrate the outer lines of the circumference. Our danger is from within, not from without. We are distressed more by the extortioners than by the enemy. Eternal infamy on the heads of speculators in articles of prime necessity! After the war, let them be known by the fortunes they have amassed from the sufferings of the patriots and heroes! —the widows and orphans!

This day is the anniversary of the secession of Virginia. The government at Washington did not believe the separation would last two years! Nor do they believe now, perhaps, that it will continue two years longer.

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News of the Day

April 17, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

We have had the pleasure of examining several Yankee flags, obtained from the sunken Keokuk. Judging by the articles left on board, the Yankees must either have lost their wits, or the boat must have gone down unexpectedly soon. Two of these buntings are United States ensigns of the ordinary shape; one is a streaming pennant, and two small signal flags. One of the first description is very much torn, apparently by bits of iron and shell. One of the latter may be seen at our office.

A SUBSTANTIAL TROPHY. – A friend has sent us the iron grating used for covering the hatchway of one of the turrets of the sunken Keokuk. It is a very massive affair, and is a fair specimen of the covering and interior work of the famous turrets. The walls are formed of this kind of work, covered by eight more plates of half-inch iron, and in the interior by a single plate of half-inch iron. In the sides the spaces left vacant between the bars put on edge, are filled in with wood. From the appearance of the boat, the ten inch Columbiad shot did more damage than the seven inch rifle shot, although both passed clear through. Several of the shots, which only dented the iron, have so warped the plates, which are two feet four inches in width, that the water now flows in and out through the apertures. The bolts are knocked off by the shot in every direction.

The iron grating may be seen by the curious at the Office of THE MERCURY.

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News of the Day

April 17, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

TO THE CITIZENS OF CHARLESTON AND THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA GENERALLY, AND TO THE FARMERS AND PLANTERS ESPECIALLY, FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEABOARD.

The Free Market of Charleston, one of the noblest and most useful charities extant, after more than a twelve month of successful operation, is in danger of suspension and even final stoppage. It is an institution, founded by private patriotism and benevolence, endorsed by the city authorities of Charleston, and recognized and encouraged by the Legislature of the State. Its great and highly useful purpose is to supply provisions, free of expense, to the needy families of soldiers and seamen, fighting the battles of their country, or dead in her service; and upwards of eight hundred families depend on its bounty for their daily bread. It has become a great public necessity, and it is the duty of every Christian and patriot, male and female, rich and poor, young and old, to contribute to its support, in proportion to means and ability – the rich man out of his wealth, the poor man out of his poverty, the widow with her mite – every large stream should pour, every little rill trickle its refreshing waters into this great reservoir of patriotic benevolence, to be dispensed in God-blessed bounty to the wives and children, the widows and orphans, the sisters and other female dependents, of our brave soldiery and seamen. The final stoppage, or even the suspension, of this charity would be one of the direst calamities that could befall our City and State – it would inflict distress, suffering and even starvation on numbers, now comfortably fed by its bounty; and perhaps lead to bread riots, in our conservative city, to her serious injury and deep disgrace. Come, then, fellow citizens, to the rescue, promptly, liberally, efficiently, and not only save the Free Market from destruction or suspension, but sustain it, in healthful vigor, as a God blessed and an- blessing institution. Let donations in money and in kind pour in lavishly from every quarter of the City and State; and the consequences will be happy indeed. Not only will bread, and meal, and meat be sustainingly furnished to soldiers’ and seamens’ families, but the heart of the warrior will be cheered and his arm nerved to do victorious battle against the Vandal and ruthless foe, by the comforting conviction that his wife and his little ones are patriotically and sufficiently cared for, by their fellow citizens, at home. Let our [continue reading…]

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News of the Day

April 17, 1863, Southern Confederacy (Atlanta, Georgia)

 “C-L-O-S-E UP,” shouted a cavalry officer friend of ours the other day to his straggling followers.

 Little white headed girl on the road side, lifting her petticoats above her knees. “Captain is this high enough?”

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News of the Day

April 17, 1863, The New York Herald

Now that the news of the recent attack upon this rebel stronghold has been digested, the questions which naturally suggest themselves are:– First, what light has the affair thrown upon the utility of the new engines of warfare which mechanical science has recently brought forth? Second, have any of the well matured axioms military and mechanical science been overthrown? Third, what useful lessons may be drawn from this conflict relative to the vital subject of seacoast defence?

The iron-clads of the Monitor type, although exposed to the heaviest cannonade at short range which earth has ever witnessed – a cannonade which, from rapidity of fire and power of ordnance employed, surpasses that of the memorable bombardment of Sebastopol – passed this fiery ordeal with comparatively but little damage. Indeed, none of them were injured to an extent which a few days work cannot completely repair. Even the far-famed Whitworth balls, which have time and again pierced the armor of the gigantic Warrior, did not penetrate them. The only casualties which occurred were caused by the bolts which were broken in the pilothouse of the Nahant; and this from a manifest oversight in not covering the bolt heads with the sheet iron guards, with which most of the Monitor fleet are provided. So thoroughly has the designer of these remarkable vessels comprehended the necessary qualities in armor to resist the enormous dynamic effect of the impact of a cannon ball of great weight and velocity, that, in order to render the side armor of our iron-clads absolutely impenetrable to the most powerful ordnance which may be made, either here or in Europe, it is simply necessary to enlarge the proportions – the principle, even to the most minute detail, now being thoroughly established.

The armor of the Monitor fleet now afloat, and which has not yet been penetrated, consists, as is well known, of five one-inch plates, fastened in a peculiar manner to a very thick oak backing; now the armor of the new Monitor fleet, at present about two-thirds completed, consists of nine inches of iron, with an oak backing nearly three feet in thickness, it is fair to premise that nothing but a gun exceeding in power any yet brought forth can penetrate this barrier. Again, the [continue reading…]

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News of the Day

April 17, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

Reports reached the city yesterday afternoon, through parties from the French steamer Catinet, to the effect that the results of the recent battle of Charleston were far more disastrous to the iron fleet than any account yet published would indicate. Two of the Monitors, it is said, were completely riddled, and can with difficulty be kept afloat. The rest of the turreted monsters were so badly battered and injured as to render it impossible for them to go again into action until they have received repairs, which cannot be obtained at Port Royal. In the meantime, the vessels are in no very secure plight to undertake the voyage to Fortress Monroe. We give these accounts as they reach us, without vouching for their truth.

Official advices from Port Royal report that three Monitors, with a very large fleet of gunboats, transports, &c., could be seen in that harbor.

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News of the Day
1860s newsprint

April 17, 1863, American Citizen (Canton, Mississippi)

 Owing to the non-arrival of a supply of paper, for which we sent in good time, we are compelled to appear before our readers to-day in this circumscribed form.

 We hope it will be but a short time that our paper is thus curtailed of its fair proportions. But the supply of printing paper in the Confederacy is very small, and what there is seems to be monopolized by the daily papers that are making fortunes out of the war, and are thus enabled to literally buy up the paper mills.

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News of the Day
1860s newsprint

April 17, 1863, Memphis Daily Appeal (Jackson, Mississippi)

 We clip the following paragraph from the local column of a New Orleans paper sent to us a few days since by a friend:

 Miss P–––, a young lady who sympathizes with the rebels, was yesterday forenoon walking through the street waving a secession flag which had been worked in one corner of her pocket handkerchief. She met a naval officer and waved it, if not in his face at least very conspicuously before him. The officer came to a halt, and she waved it again, whereupon he arrested her and took her before the provost marshal general. While answering the questions of that officer, she employed her pretty teeth in eating the flag out of the handkerchief. The general sentenced her to forfeit the handkerchief, and to report in person every day at 1 o’clock, for one month, to the city provost marshal. Thus Miss P_____ will be reminded thirty times that she is under the protection of the United States government, and that it is not becoming for such to go through the streets waving the ensign of traitors. We trust that her thirty journeys to the marshal’s office will make her a wiser woman.

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News of the Day

April 17, 1863, Charleston Mercury

 The Staunton Spectator describes the process of making shoe pegs at the factory in that town. A maple tree is felled in the forest one day–hauled to town–delivered at the peg manufactory–in less time than a stammering man can say “Jack Robinson,” it is manufactured into shoe pegs, and in a few more days some of the pegs are on the shoes of our soldiers, chasing fleeing Yankees. The proprietors are now furnishing the Government at the price of $10 per bushel, and sell to individuals at $16 per bushel.

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News of the Day

April 17, 1863, The New York Herald

“THE FOOD QUESTION.”

The Bread Riot in Richmond.

OUR HEADQUARTERS CORRESPONDENCE.

April 11, 1863.

A refugee from Richmond, who left that city on Tuesday, gives an interesting account of the riot of the 2d inst. Considerable excitement had prevailed for some time in consequence of the exorbitant prices, and rumors of a popular movement had been in circulation for several days. Females had begged in the streets and at the stores until begging did no good, and many had been driven to robbery to sustain life. On the morning of the 2d inst., a large meeting, composed principally of the wives and daughters of the working classes, was held in the African church, and a committee appointed to wait upon the Governor to request that articles of food should be sold at government rates. After the passage of sundry resolutions the meeting adjourned, and the committee proceeded to wait upon Governor Letcher. The functionary declined to take any steps in the matter, and upon urging the case the ladies were peremptorily ordered to withdraw. The result of the interview was soon made public, when a body of females, numbering about three hundred, collected together and commenced helping themselves to bread, flour, meat, articles of clothing, &c. The entire city was at once thrown into consternation. Stores were closed, the windows barred, doors bolted, and every precaution taken against forcible entries; but hatchets and axes in the hands of women rendered desperate by hunger made quick work, and building after building was rapidly broken open. The destruction commenced on Carey street, above Fifteenth street, and was becoming general in that section of the city, when the City Guard, with fixed bayonets, arrived at the scene of operations. A few individuals attempted to resist the women, but without success. One man who struck a female was [continue reading…]

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News of the Day

April 17, 1863, The New York Herald

General Foster has been relieved from his dangerous position at Washington, N.C. A despatch received by General Dix, at Fortress Monroe, yesterday, says that a steamer, with a regiment of troops and a supply of provisions and ammunition, succeeded in running the rebel batteries on Tar river, and arrived at Washington on Tuesday.

There was nothing new from Suffolk yesterday. The rebels still continue to invest the place. Our correspondence to date of the 15th gives all the details of the skirmishing up to that time. No general engagement has yet taken place; but the utmost vigilance and activity prevails on both sides.

The Richmond Sentinel says that our iron-clad fleet left Charleston harbor for the south on Sunday, at four o’clock in the afternoon; but that the impression prevailed there that they would soon return and renew the attack upon the city.

Our correspondent at Hamilton, Bermuda, informs us, under date of the 6th of April, that the schooner Legate, which arrived there from Cuba on the 30th of March, reported that the British warship Cygnet, when entering a port of Cuba from a cruise undertaken from the same place, was fired on by two United States vessels – one on each side her – at one and the same moment. Captain Masters, of the Legate, had heard that on the commander of the cygnet demanding an explanation from the American officers, he was informed that they had mistaken his vessel for the Alabama, Florida, or some other rebel privateer. This temporary difficulty, if it even really occurred, may have been exaggerated into the rumors just forwarded from Havana concerning the arrest and parole of Admiral Wilkes.

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Cruise of the U.S. Flag-Ship Hartford -Wm. C. Holton

April 16th. Mr. Eaton, of U. S. A. Signal Corps, receiving despatches from and transmitting despatches to U. S. S. Richmond, by means of signals from main-masthead. Albatross engaged shelling the woods on the point opposite Port Hudson, where rebel pickets were stationed–our mail matter being on its way overland, in charge of an officer and some of the crew of the Richmond, at this time. At three P. M. our mail arrived, and the Albatross’s boat fetched it on board of us, returning again with the party who brought it over to us, renewing her shelling of the woods while it was returning below again. These carriers of the United State mail (overland), while in the performance of their duty this day, were fired at by rebel bushwhackers, chased, and came near being captured by same, before reaching the river’s edge and coming under the protection of our guns.

At five P. M., up anchor, got under way, and stood up the river a little farther; at seven thirty P. M., came to anchor a short distance above the village of Bayou Sara, opposite a large and splendid plantation, upon which, and but a few yards from the river’s bank, with fine shade trees in front and rear, loomed up a fine planter’s residence, and, adjoining same, an overseer’s humble cottage, near which were the quarters for the hands employed on the place.

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War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

16th. Got up and foraged eggs for myself and oats for my horse. Box gone. Team tipped over last night three times. Very dark. Slept with Thede. 103rd camped near by. Many boys came over, seemed good to see them. Issued beef. Boiled beef and had tea, crackers and gingerbread for supper. Like old times. Thede and Charlie on picket. Occupied their tent alone. Wrote to Sarah Felton.

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