April 27th. All still on the river; very stormy weather.

27th. Up at 4 and an early breakfast in anticipation of marching. Infantry came in a little before noon. Saw Wattle. Got dinner and then started. Bob, Col. A. and I went. Covil and Dod stayed. Marched by way of “Fishing Creek.” Very high banks. Country quite mountainous. Fun to see the infantry fording. Encamped at 16 miles. Got a ham and had tea and crackers. Rained in the night.

Monday, 27th–It rained all day and we marched into Richmond early this morning, taking shelter in cotton sheds, vacant houses, and any shed that would turn water. The Third Brigade is quartered in gin houses and negro shacks. White and I had a fine bed to sleep in last night. The land here is so nearly on the dead level, that it is almost impossible to keep out of mud and water, but we have plenty of cotton for bedding.

APRIL 27th.—A dispatch from Montgomery, Ala., states that the enemy have penetrated as far as Enterprise, Miss., where we had a small body of troops, conscripts. If this be merely a raid, it is an extraordinary one, and I feel some anxiety to learn the conclusion of it. It is hard to suppose a small force of the enemy would evince such temerity. But if it be supported by an army, and the position maintained, Vicksburg is doomed. We shall get no more sugar from Louisiana.

August 6, 1862, Arkansas True Democrat, Little Rock

Capt. J. Field, quartermaster of Col. Sweet’s (Texas) regiment, just returned from Richmond, has placed us a thousand obligations for a full file of the Richmond papers during and after the great battle. We will endeavor in our next, to give our readers such particulars of the battle as we can gather.

Capt. Field was at Richmond during the whole of the battle, and describes it as a most brilliant affair. He also witnessed, while at Natchez, the descent of the federal fleet down the Mississippi river. He says the Yankees have abandoned the attack upon Vicksburg, and are leaving the river. We know the fleet above Vicksburg has done the same. Thus the daring project of taking the Mississippi river is a failure.

August 7, 1862 , Savannah Republican (Georgia)

Mr. Editor–There are some facts connected with the Savannah market to which I desire to call the attention of the people of Georgia and South Carolina, who live convenient to this city:

Sweet potatoes are selling here at 25 cents a quart, or $8 per bushel; green corn at 5 cents an ear, or six ears for 25 cents; peaches, for from 15 to 40 cents a quart; watermelons of ordinary size at 50 to 75 cents, and the largest, weighing from twenty to thirty pounds, at $1 and $1.25 each; chickens, (half-grown) at $1 a pair; butter at 70 and 75 cents a pound; lard at 40 cents a pound; eggs at from 40 to 60 cents a dozen.

Again: Pine wood sells for $7 a cord, and oak wood $9 a cord.

I have enumerated some of the leading articles, with their prices, in order to show the people around Savannah what profits they are allowing to slip through their fingers for want of a little energy.

I am informed that peaches sell in Macon and Augusta at $1 per bushel. I also learn that thousands of bushels in and around Aiken, S. C., are rotting for want of a market. This fruit could be picked in the afternoon and sold in this market the following morning. Why do […..] a penny both to their own and our advantage? They have the fruit, and we have the money, as is shown by the ready sales of fruit here at such extortionate prices. Why will not the producer engage some reliable agent here and supply the market?

Equally astonishing is the fact that the prices of wood should rule so high where two railroads and one river leading into the city are lined with millions of cords, which could be sole here for more than a hundred per cent profit. A little energy would put money in the purses of many whose produce and wood are now selling for but little and rotting on their land.

Buyer.

April 27, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

FROM BRAGG’S ARMY.

TULLAHOMA, APRIL 24. – We have further news from McMinnville that the enemy has destroyed several bridges, burned a cotton factory, the depot buildings, one engine and three cars, and then retreated towards Murfreesboro’. Our troops are in fine condition and spirits; it is not believed that the enemy will dare to attack them. We have advices from Tuscumbia that three Yankee regiments had attempted to advance, but were held in check by Colonel Roddy’s Cavalry.

TUSCUMBIA, April 25. – The enemy is falling back. All is quiet in front.

CHATTANOOGA, April 25. – Passengers by the train just arrived report that Gen. DODGE, at the head of a Yankee force, estimated at from 5000 to 10,000 had advanced ten miles east of Tuscumbia. Colonel RODDY was disputing their advance and retiring before them slowly, in order to gain reinforcements.

FROM MISSISSIPPI.

OKALONA, MISS., April 25. – Our cavalry engaged the enemy yesterday at Birmingham. The fight lasted two and a half hours. The enemy was completely routed; 15 were killed and a large number wounded. Colonel HATCH, of the 2d Iowa Cavalry, was seen to fall from his horse, which ran into our lines and was captured. Our loss was 1 killed and 20 wounded. The destruction of the bridge prevented pursuit.

JACKSON, MISS., April 25. – At noon today the enemy demanded the surrender of the town of Enterprise; but Gen. LORING arrived with timely reinforcements. The enemy, reported to number from 500 to 1500 cavalry, retreated without a fight.

The water at Fort Pemberton has fallen four feet, and is still falling at the rate of two inches per day.

April 27, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The new arrangements for the transmission of telegraphic news throughout the Confederacy are now, we suppose, in full operation, and we have a fair opportunity of estimating the advantages that have resulted from the change. To our mind, those advantages, so far, are of a very questionable character. The agents of the Association have, it is true, been multiplied, and so have the charges of the Association against the several newspapers; but so far from any corresponding improvement having taken place in the practical working of the system, it seems to us that the press telegraphic arrangements were never in a worse plight than now. In the telegrams from Richmond, there is no perceptible difference, either as to quality or quantity, from those formerly received; but we cannot say as much for the despatches from the newly established agencies in the West. Every day the wires bring us a budget of […..] from that quarter, generally unintelligible and invariably devoid of interest. Indeed, so sorely has our patience been tried in this respect, that we have learned to spare our readers the infliction of the senseless jargon of Western war reports so industriously telegraphed to this city. But we seldom escape with the perusal of a single worthless despatch. It not unfrequently happens that we receive from different agencies, two or more accounts, all equally vague, and all designed to convey information of the same highly uninteresting rumor or event. We beg the active superintendent of the Associated Press to note this pleasant state of affairs, and, if he cannot dissuade his Western agents from sending so comprehensive a batch of the rumors and speculations of their respective neighborhoods, at least to require them, in preparing their despatches, to adopt a style less spasmodic and perplexing.

April 27, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The sloop Eagle, Capt. BRENNON, laden with upland cotton, tobacco, &c., bound from Savannah for Nassau, got under weigh from her anchorage in St. Augustine Creek, Thursday night, about 8 o’clock, and proceeded to Warsaw Sound to go to sea. While passing Cabbage Island, the Yankee signal corps sent up rockets; no reply having been given to the signals in the Sound, Capt. BRENNON supposed that the coast was clear and that he could proceed to sea. About two o’clock, Friday morning, some two miles inside of Warsaw Sound, the sloop came immediately abreast and within one hundred yards of a three masted Yankee gunboat. The former was immediately put on the beach, Capt. BRENNON and his crew taking to their yawl boat with such of their effects as they could save, the vessel having been previously scuttled and fired. Capt. BRENNON and his crew, after a hard pull against a strong ebb tide, arrived at Thunderbolt about nine o’clock on Friday morning. The Eagle and her cargo was owned by Mr. MARCUS COHEN of Savannah and Mr. A.M. COHEN of Waresboro’, Georgia, and the whole was valued at $5000.

April 27, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

(CORRESPONDENCE OF THE MERCURY.)

RICHMOND, Thursday, April 23.

Certain farmers in Powhatan County, in this State, acting as arbitrators under the new law, declared the price of clover hay in that County should be twenty dollars the hundred weight. This went through the regular channels to the War Department, and thence to the Senate, which at once passed an amendment to the effect that when the Government agent is not satisfied of the justice of an arbitration, he shall proceed, nevertheless, to impress the property desired, give a receipt for it, endorsing on the award his reasons for disputing the justice of the price asked, and forwarding the same to the head of his Department, where the dispute shall be decided.

One of our papers is much exorcised at this action, which it denounces as the result of passion, rashness, haste and the want of manful intelligence. The farming and planting interests will not be better pleased. It seems strange there should be trouble about bread and meat, when there is none about the lives offered on the altar of the country. In this State the exchange of commodities has done more to bring out supplies than anything else. Last summer, when salt was offered at the country seats in exchange for bacon, the most incredible quantities came forth. The same would be the case now if the Government could spare sugar in place of salt; but it cannot.

It is well settled here, by men of all shades of opinion, that the war is to go on – the peace party at the North being non-existent or non effective, and the chances of foreign intervention quite as remote as they have even been. Hence there is much casting about for the chances not only of offence but of defence. Victories achieved on our own soil appear [continue reading…]

April 27, 1863, The New York Herald

The news from New Orleans is most important and encouraging. Gen. Banks has done able service in that region, as we announced on Wednesday. The details of this brilliant affair reached us by the Fulton yesterday. Severe battle was fought on Friday, the 17th inst., at the Vermillion Bayou, in which, after a hard contest with the rebel batteries and a strong force of infantry, our troops gained a complete success, driving the enemy from his position, capturing his guns, and taking fifteen hundred prisoners. In addition to this the batteries at Bute la Rose were silenced by our fleet, the valuable salt works of Petite Anse, which supplied the whole interior with this indispensable article, were captured, and a number of the rebel boats were destroyed, during the expedition of General Banks into the Bayou Teche region. Thus the finest portion of Louisiana is at the command of the Union forces, and rebellion in that quarter is tottering.

Meantime the attack upon Cape Girardeau, Mo., by the rebels, under Marmaduke, has not only proved a failure, but a severe defeat for the enemy. After a fight of three hours with General McNeill they were gloriously repulsed. Reinforcements of men and gunboats reached McNeill during the fight, and he is now in a position to maintain himself against another attack. At last accounts the enemy was still retreating. Our loss in killed and wounded was only twenty.

From Tennessee we learn that General Bragg is in occupation of Manchester with a large army. Some deserters state that the Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri troops in Bragg’s army have lately been very mutinous, and much trouble has been experienced in putting it down. The Tennesseeans, it is said, laid down their arms, refusing to do duty. [continue reading…]

No date, first page of letter being lost. Probably April 27, 1863.

We had a snow here on Saturday night which continued yesterday morning and is now about gone. The roads are now in pretty good condition, and if the enemy wish to make the attack, there is, I think, no reason now for deferring it on account of the roads. But, darling, there is no telling when it will be. The future, ever a mystery, is more mysterious now than ever before. Our destiny is in the hands of God, infinite in his justice, goodness and mercy; and I feel that in such time as he may appoint he will give us the blessings of independence and peace. We are a wicked people, and the chastisement which we have suffered has not humbled and improved us as it ought. We have a just cause, but we do not deserve success if those who are here spend this time in blasphemy and wickedness, and those who are at home devote their energies to avarice and extortion. Fasting and prayer by such a people is blasphemy, and, if answered at all, will be by an infliction of God’s wrath, not a dispensation of his mercy.

The future, as you say, darling, is dark enough. Though sound in health and strength, I feel that life to many of us hangs upon a slender thread. Whenever God wills it that mine pass from me, I feel that I can say in calm resignation, “Into thy hands I commend my spirit.” In this feeling I am prepared to go forward in the discharge of my duty, striving to make every act and thought of my life conform to his law, and trusting with implicit faith in the salvation promised through Christ. How I wish that I were better than I feel that I am; that when I close my eyes to-night I might feel certain that every thought, act and feeling of to-morrow would have its motive in love for God and its object in his glory! Well, so it is. Why is it we cannot feel sure that the sins of the past are never to be repeated? May God give me strength to be what I ought to be–to do what I ought to do! And now, darling, good-bye. When we meet again, I hope you will have a better husband– that your prayer and mine may be answered.

April 26th. Commenced with rainy weather, continuing stormy until eight o’clock, A. M., when it cleared off, the sun shining from out of the clouds in all its glory. The rain had cooled and purified the atmosphere to a very pleasant degree, and all enjoyed the change. At ten thirty A. M., called all hands to muster, and performed Divine service on the quarter-deck. As yet no attempt has been made by the enemy to attack us, and I am disposed to believe he has decided under the circumstances that discretion is the better part of valor.

26th. Spent the morning cleaning up the tent clothes and boots. At 11 A. M. went to hear Mr. Brown preach. Was much pleased. Quite disappointed. My only objection was that I had seen him smoke. Read some in Independent. Orders to march at daybreak, so went to bed rather early.

Sunday, 26th–We struck our tents this morning at 5 o’clock and loaded them on the boat and at 2 p. m. with knapsack on took up our march. By night we were within one mile of Richmond, Louisiana, on the railroad running from Vicksburg to Monroe, Louisiana, where we bivouacked for the night.

Sunday, 26th.—Above report confirmed; being in our rear not very pleasant news.

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

Sunday, April 26th.

I am getting well! Bless the Lord, O my soul! Life, health, and happiness dawn on my trembling view again! . . . Dr. Stone came to see me a few hours after I arrived; two days after, he called again; this morning I walked out to meet him when he was announced, and he asked me how my sister was. When I told him I was myself, “God bless my soul! You don’t say so!” he exclaimed, evidently astonished at the resurrection.

APRIL 26th.—This being Sunday I shall hear no news, for I will not be in any of the departments.

There is a vague understanding that notwithstanding the repulse of the enemy at Charleston, still the Federal Government collects the duties on merchandise brought into that port, and, indeed, into all other ports. These importations, although purporting to be conducted by British adventurers, it is said are really contrived by Northern merchants, who send hither (with the sanction of the Federal Government, by paying the duty in advance) British and French goods, and in return ship our cotton to Liverpool, etc., whence it is sometimes reshipped to New York. The duties paid the United States are of course paid by the consumers in the Confederate States, in the form of an additional per centum on the prices of merchandise. Some suppose this arrangement has the sanction of certain members of our government. The plausibility of this scheme (if it really exists) is the fact that steamers having munitions of war rarely get through the blockading fleet without trouble, while those having only merchandise arrive in safety almost daily. Gen. D. Green intimates that Mr. Memminger, and Frazer & Co., Charleston, are personally interested in the profits of heavy importations.

April 26, 1863, Peoria Morning Mail (Illinois)

You have put the children to bed, Alice–
            Maude, and Willie, and Rose,
They have lisped their sweet “Our Father,”
            And sunk to their night’s repose.
Did they think of me, dear Alice?
            Did they think of me and say,
“God bless him, and God bless him,
            Dear father, far away!”

O, my very heart grows sick, Alice,
            I long so to behold
Rose, with her pure white forehead,
            And Maud with her curls of gold;
And Willie, so gay and sprightly,
            So merry and full of glee–
O, my heart yearns to enfold ye,
            My smiling group of three.

I can bear the noisy day, Alice–
            The camp life, gay and wild,
Shuts from my yearning bosom
            The thoughts of wife and child.
But when the night is round me,
            And under its strong beams,
I gather my cloak about me,
            I dream such long, sad dreams! [continue reading…]

April 25th. At five A. M., hove up anchor and continued on our way up the river, now and then coming to for the purpose of destroying flat-boats and sugar manufactories which were supplying the rebels with sugar and molasses whenever we were not bobbing around in the vicinity. Their cake is now all dough, since hereafter we will have one or two steamers patroling the river all the time. At two o’clock, P. M., brought ship to anchor off the mouth of Red River, Albatross and ram Switzerland making fast ahead inshore.

25th. Played chess with Chester. One game ahead. Was down to see Charlie, writing to Will Hudson. Mr. Brown preached in the evening at the church. Read Fantine in “Les Miserables.” Much more interested than at first. Splendid. In the evening wrote to Delos. This is his birthday, “B. F.” anniversary.

Saturday, 25th–Our division received orders to get ready to March. All the sick are being taken to the hospital and we are storing our supplies^[1] upon the boat. We have to go in light marching order, one tent to each company and with five days’ rations.

[1] Tents and extra baggage.–A. G. D.

Saturday, 25th.—Heard Yankees had torn up railroad between Jackson and Meridian.

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

APRIL 25th.—We have bad news from the West. The enemy (cavalry, I suppose) have penetrated Mississippi some 200 miles, down to the railroad between Vicksburg and Meridian. This is in the rear and east of Vicksburg, and intercepts supplies. They destroyed two trains. This dispatch was sent to the Secretary of War by the President without remark. The Enquirer this morning contained a paragraph stating that Gen. Pemberton was exchanging civilities with Gen. Sherman, and had sent him a beautiful bouquet! Did he have any conception of the surprise the enemy was executing at the moment? Well, Mississippi is the President’s State, and if he is satisfied with Northern generals to defend it, he is as likely to be benefited as any one else.

Gen. Beauregard is urging the government to send more heavy guns to Savannah.

I saw an officer to-day just from Charleston. He says none of the enemy’s vessels came nearer than 900 yards of our batteries, and that the Northern statements about the monitors becoming entangled with obstructions are utterly false, for there were no obstructions in the water to impede them. But he says one of the monitors was directly over a torpedo, containing 4000 pounds of powder, which we essayed in vain to ignite.