Friday, 4th–The army left bivouac at daylight this morning and the vanguard reached Vicksburg at 2 o’clock, while our rear did not get in till dark. We found our camps, clothing and all in good shape. The Sixteenth Army Corps went into camp out east of Vicksburg. We were relieved from the duty of headquarters’ guard this morning. The expedition was out thirty-two days, and marched three hundred and twenty-five miles; it destroyed an immense amount of property, thus inflicting a tremendous blow to the Confederacy, and foraged on the country the whole way.

March, Friday 4, 1864

I do wish Nonconnah would fall, and let a visitor from Memphis return home, for I am always in an ill humor when she is about. Tate and Helen went over to see Missie Morgan this evening. I have been in Tate’s room all day buisy sewing—almost finished my dress—

Mr. Hildebrand was here today, bro’t noting later from Dixie—nor have we heard anything today. I wish one of the scouts would come, and bring us some news. It has been very cloudy and disagreeable all day, this evening we had quite a storm. I received today another batch of letters from Dixie, to be mailed in Memphis for Yankee land. Decatur told us Gen. Armstrong had been ordered to Miss. he has taken Mariah to Mobile to be confined, poor girl I pity her, no Mother or relation to be with her. Laura as usual nodding, and I feel all alone. Beulah and Tippie Dora also enjoying their nap. I feel real sick tonight—oh! I am so lonely—what is to be my fate—oh! God shield me, have I not suffered enough—make my future bright.

MARCH 4th.—Bright and frosty in the morning; warm and cloudy in the afternoon. The enemy have disappeared.

On the 17th inst., Gen. Lee wrote the Secretary of War that he had received a letter from Gen. Longstreet, asking that Pickett’s Division be in readiness to join him; also that a brigade of Gen. Buckner’s Division, at Dalton, be sent him at once. He says the force immediately in front of him consists of the 4th, 11th, 9th, and 23d corps, besides a large body of cavalry from Middle Tennessee. Gen. Lee says the railroad from Chattanooga to Knoxville, being about completed, will enable the enemy to combine on either Johnston or Longstreet. He (Gen. Lee) says, however, that the 4th and 11th corps are small, and may have been consolidated; the 23d also is small; but he does not know the strength of the enemy. He thinks Pickett’s Division should be sent as desired, and its place filled with troops from South Carolina, etc., where operations will probably soon cease. The Secretary sent this to the President. The President sent it back today, indorsed, “How can Pickett’s Division be replaced?—J. D.”

Henly’s Battalion returned this evening; and Custis can resume his school, unless he should be among the list doomed to the rank in the field, for which he is physically incapable, as Surgeon Garnett, the President’s physician, has certified.

March 4th. Received a number of letters from friends at home. Snow has disappeared. While the weather is fine, the mud is very sticky and plenty of it. A large quantity will stick to one’s feet, or rather to our army brogans, as we attempt to walk in it. This all comes in the life of a soldier. We are not serving our country for pleasure. We are very anxious to have the war stop. We are not in love with the life but the war must be stopped right, so that we can have a free country.

March 4th.–The enemy has been reenforced and is on us again. Met Wade Hampton, who told me my husband was to join him with some volunteer troops; so I hurried home. Such a cavalcade rode up to luncheon! Captain Smith Lee and Preston Hampton, the handsomest, the oldest and the youngest of the party. This was at the Prestons’. Smith Lee walked home with me; alarm-bells ringing; horsemen galloping; wagons rattling. Dr. H. stopped us to say “Beast” Butler was on us with sixteen thousand men. How scared the Doctor looked! And, after all, it was only a notice to the militia to turn out and drill.

3rd. Spent the morning at home. In evening called upon Fannie Henderson. To my joy a letter from F. came this P. M.

Thursday, 3d–We got into motion early this morning and marched twenty miles. We bivouacked for the night within twenty-six miles of Vicksburg and not far from our forces at Big Black river bridge. The rebels ceased following us today. The weather and roads were fine for marching.

MARCH 3d.—Bright and frosty. Confused accounts of the raid in the morning papers.

During the day it was reported that Col. Johnson’s forces had been cut up this morning by superior numbers, and that Butler was advancing up the Peninsula with 15,000 men. The tocsin was sounded in the afternoon, and the militia called out; every available man being summoned to the field for the defense of the city. The opinion prevails that the plan to liberate the prisoners and capture Richmond is not fully developed yet, nor abandoned. My only apprehension is that while our troops may be engaged in one direction, a detachment of the enemy may rush in from the opposite quarter. But the attempt must fail. There is much excitement, but no alarm. It is rather eagerness to meet the foe, and a desire that he may come.

The Department Battalion returned at 2 P.M. to attend the funeral of Capt. Ellery, and expect to be marched out again this evening toward Bottom’s Bridge, where the enemy is said to be in considerable force.

Custis, though detailed to duty in the department, threw down his pen to-day, and said he would go out and be in the next fight. And so he left me suddenly. The Secretary, to whom I communicated this, said it was right and proper for him to go—even without orders. He goes without a blanket, preferring not to sleep, to carrying one. At night he will sit by a fire in the field.

Some of the clerks would shoot Mr. Memminger cheerfully. He will not pay them their salaries, on some trivial informality in the certificates; and while they are fighting and bleeding in his defense, their wives and children are threatened to be turned out of doors by the boarding-house keepers.

March, Thursday 3, 1864

The monotony of our life was somewhat changed today, by a visit from Lt. Bayard of the 4th U. S. R. to Nannie, he is her cousin, and came this
distance with only six scouts to make a call, they behaved themselves very well, ate dinner with us—and they all admit our dear Rebel Gen. Forrest defeated them badly in their raid to Okolona. Decatur Doyle came this evening from Dixie—Jimmie sailed for Europe the 6th. of Feb. Eddie and all the boys safe through the fight. Pontotoc suffered very much—Sister Mary with the two youngest children will start home some time next month. Col. Jeff Forrest is really killed—Sherman has returned to Vicksburgh. Our Army of Johnston advancing—Grant reported falling back.

I have been buisy braiding all day, one more width finished—Laura has provoked me and I feel real cross—she or I one should certainly have less temper at times. All of them received letters tonight except me, tis now 10 o’c, and I think I will try and get to sleep early tonight. I suppose they are all happy in the house, O can never content myself with the lonely life I lead.

March 3d.–Betty, the handsome, and Constance, the witty, came; the former too prudish to read Lost and Saved, by Mrs. Norton, after she had heard the plot. Conny was making a bonnet for me. Just as she was leaving the house, her friendly labors over, my husband entered, and quickly ordered his horse. “It is so near dinner,” I began. “But I am going with the President. I am on duty. He goes to inspect the fortifications. The enemy, once more, are within a few miles of Richmond.” Then we prepared a luncheon for him. Constance Cary remained with me.

After she left I sat down to Romola, and I was absorbed in it. How hardened we grow to war and war’s alarms! The enemy’s cannon or our own are thundering in my ears, and I was dreadfully afraid some infatuated and frightened friend would come in to cheer, to comfort, and interrupt me. Am I the same poor soul who fell on her knees and prayed, and wept, and fainted, as the first gun boomed from Fort Sumter? Once more we have repulsed the enemy. But it is humiliating, indeed, that he can come and threaten us at our very gates whenever he so pleases. If a forlorn negro had not led them astray (and they hanged him for it) on Tuesday night, unmolested, they would have walked into Richmond. Surely there is horrid neglect or mismanagement somewhere.

March 2nd. Came off picket duty. My laundry and repairs on my clothes I have done by a German woman in town. Called for my laundry. Had a bath, put on clean clothes, for which I am very thankful. Received a pass, visited town. No soldier can enter town without a permit, excuse and pass must come from the company commander. Coming off picket or guard duty a soldier is excused from all duty during the day, except dress parade. Much pride is taken in dress parade, then we wear our good clothes.

2nd. Maj. Nettleton returned from Sandusky and started for Washington at 2 P. M. Thede and I rode horseback to Amherst. Saw Mary, Grandma’s and Helen’s folks. Called at Mr. Kline’s. Spent the evening at home. Uneasy for some reason. Am looking for a letter but it doesn’t come.

Return to Newport News.

March 2. The 11th Connecticut regiment arrived here today, and we are ordered back to the News where we rejoin a part of our old regiment which has just returned from home. This is good news to our boys who have been impatiently awaiting their return. So far as I am concerned I shall leave here with some regrets. We have been here several weeks and have got used to the officers and the place. The duty is light and somebody has got to stay here; as we have only a few months longer to remain we might as well be here as anywhere; but the orders are to go and orders must be obeyed. I will call on our officers and learn more about it. I am well pleased with these young fellows. They seem to «know their business and have a remarkable faculty of attending to it and letting other people attend to theirs. Their business appears to be in their quarters, amusing themselves with their reading, writing and games. They are not at all afflicted with exclusiveness and are not disposed to recline on their dignity. The boys have a standing invitation to call on them any time during office hours, and almost every evening some of them are in there. I called on them and inquired if they were going through to the News with us or stop with their regiment at Yorktown. They said it was not supposed that we knew enough to go from here to Newport News alone, and their orders were to march us down there, but they should try to get transportation from Yorktown. I said I thought that would be the most difficult job they had undertaken recently, that we could get transportation from here just as well as from Yorktown. But the idea was for us to march, as marching 50 or 100 miles a week, carrying heavy knapsacks, was a fine thing for soldiers. It took the kinks out of their legs and prevented them from becoming round shouldered. I inquired if they thought of making the journey on brook water? One of them partly closed his left eye and replied, “Not muchly.” I then said I should like an order on the commissary for a few much-needed supplies. The order was forthcoming, for which I made my best bow, and bidding them good evening took my leave.

Wednesday, 2d–Orders were issued this morning for the army not to destroy any more property while on the march. We just learned that while we were in Canton, General Hurlbut levied a tax on the citizens, compelling them to furnish corn meal and other articles of food for the army. Today we marched fifteen miles, reaching Clinton Crossroads by night, where we went into bivouac. The rebels are still following us and there was some skirmishing in the rear, which at times made it necessary to bring the light artillery into action.

March, Wednesday 2, 1864

Bright and beautiful—Ice glittering magnificently—moderating a great deal, by 12 o’clock all snow gone, real pleasant tonight. Father went to Mr. Holmes’, our victory confirmed by news from below. Mr. Wilson dined with us, gave the same news Father heard at Mr. H’s. Nonconnah out of it’s banks, still raining. Tate and Cousin S. very much dissipointed , as they seem in great haste to go to the City. I sat in Parlor after Mr. Wilson came, braided another width on my swiss, tis real fascinating work, but oh! my chest aches so badly, no one but my sainted Mother ever knew or sympathized with me in this affliction. Laura washed today, although my only companion she has fallen into the arms of Morpheus, and left me real lonely, she and Bettie are improving very much in their lessons. Poor Father, he too is alone. I have forgiven the past, heavenly Father, give me strength to forget it. Nothing late from Jimmie or Eddie—Lord be with them in all hours of danger, and bring them safe to us.

MARCH 2d.—A slight snow on the ground this morning—but bright and cool. Last night, after I had retired to bed, we heard a brisk cannonading, and volleys of musketry, a few miles distant.

This morning an excitement, but no alarm, pervaded the city. It was certainly a formidable attempt to take the city by surprise. From the number of disgraceful failures heretofore, the last very recently, the enemy must have come to the desperate resolution to storm the city this time at all hazards. And indeed the coming upon it was sudden, and if there had been a column of 15,000 bold men in the assault, they might have penetrated it. But now, twenty-four hours subsequently, 30,000 would fail in the attempt.

The Department Clerks were in action in the evening in five minutes after they were formed in line. Capt. Ellery, Chief Clerk of 2d Auditor, was killed, and several were wounded. It rained fast all the time, and it was very dark. The enemy’s cavalry charged upon them, firing as they came; they were ordered to lie flat on the ground. This they did, until the enemy came within fifteen yards of them, when they rose and fired, sending the assailants to the right and left, helter-skelter. How many fell is not yet known.

To-day Gen. Hampton sent in 77 prisoners, taken six miles above town—one lieutenant-colonel among them; and Yankee horses, etc. are coming in every hour.

Gov. Vance writes that inasmuch as Judge Pearson still grants the writ of habeas corpus, and discharges all who have put substitutes in the army, on the ground of the unconstitutionality of the act of Congress, he is bound by his oath to sustain the judge, even to the summoning the military force of the State to resist the Confederate States authorities. But to avoid such a fatal collision, he is willing to abide the decision of the Supreme Court, to assemble in June; the substitute men, meantime, to be left unmolested. We shall soon see the President’s decision, which will probably be martial law.

Last night, when it was supposed probable that the prisoners of war at the Libby might attempt to break out, Gen. Winder ordered that a large amount of powder be placed under the building, with instructions to blow them up, if the attempt were made. He was persuaded, however, to consult the Secretary of War first, and get his approbation. The Secretary would give no such order, but said the prisoners must not be permitted to escape under any circumstances, which was considered sanction enough. Capt. ______ obtained an order for, and procured several hundred pounds of gunpowder, which were placed in readiness. Whether the prisoners were advised of this I know not; but I told Capt. ______ it could not be justifiable to spring such a mine in the absence of their knowledge of the fate awaiting them, in the event of their attempt to break out,—because such prisoners are not to be condemned for striving to regain their liberty. Indeed, it is the duty of a prisoner of war to escape if he can.

Gen. Winder addressed me in a friendly manner to-day, the first time in two years.

The President was in a bad humor yesterday, when the enemy’s guns were heard even in his office.

The last dispatch from Gen. Lee informs us that Meade, who had advanced, had fallen back again. But communications are cut between us and Lee; and we have no intelligence since Monday.

Gen. Wilcox is organizing an impromptu brigade here, formed of the furloughed officers and men found everywhere in the streets and at the hotels. This looks as if the danger were not yet regarded as over.

The Secretary of War was locked up with the Quartermaster and Commissary-Generals and other bureau officers, supposed to be discussing the damage done by the enemy to the railroads, etc. etc. I hope it was not a consultation upon any presumed necessity of the abandonment of the city!

We were paid to-day in $5 bills. I gave $20 for half a cord of wood, and $60 for a bushel of common white cornfield beans. Bacon is yet $8 per pound; but more is coming to the city than usual, and a decline may be looked for, I hope. The farmers above the city, who have been hoarding grain, meat, etc., will lose much by the raiders.

March 1st. Martinsburg, West Virginia. March brought a severe snow-storm. Out in it, on picket duty. The duty must be attended to no matter how severe it may be. This is a soldier’s life. War is cruel.

1st. Spent the day at home. Commenced the “Dutch Republic.” Much interested. In the evening Thede and I went to meeting. Prof. Peck. “If I am thy Father, where then is mine honor.”

Tuesday, 1st–We left Canton at 8 o’clock this morning, our brigade taking up the rear. There was some skirmishing with the rebels’ cavalry, which began early in the morning before we got started. Bullets commenced to fly and the guards formed a line to protect the headquarters’ baggage. Finally, however, the rear guard opened a light battery on the rebels, who soon dropped back out of danger. The army, on account of an all day rain which made the roads very muddy, covered only eight miles, and went into bivouac, our rear not getting in, however, till 4 o’clock in the morning.

March, Tuesday 1, 1864

First day of Spring—Laura awakened me for my breakfast. I looked out of the window and to my surprise, one of the hardest Snow Storms I ever saw was prevailing—lasted until 11 o’clock, when the sun shone out brightly. A more magnificent scene I never witnessed, the forests glistened like thousands of diamonds, sun set was glorious. It moderated a great deal, until night when the freeze came again. Laura and I spent the evening alone, except Beulah and Tippie Dora—buisy sewing. Laura just finished her ruffled apron—I am really proud of her, she sews so nicely. I spent the day in Tate’s room, braided one width on my white swiss—if my chest was only stronger, I would enjoy sewing, but oh! I am so weary—both in body and spirit. My angel Mother, you would not have thought your two youngest born could grow so indiferent . I pine for a companion, tis not my fault, she loves me not. My poor old Father, you are all that binds me here. Helen is to be married, they are all buisy , but do not wish me to share it—have seen no one, or heard nothing more from Dixie—

MARCH 1st.—Dark and raining.

As the morning progressed, the city was a little startled by the sound of artillery in a northern direction, and not very distant. Couriers and horsemen from the country announced the approach of the enemy within the outer fortifications; a column of 5000 cavalry. Then Hon. James Lyons came in, reporting that the enemy were shelling his house, one and a half miles from the city. And Gen. Elzey (in command) said, at the department, that a fight was in progress; and that Brig.-Gen. Custis Lee was directing it in person. But an hour or so after the report of artillery ceased, and the excitement died away. Yet the local troops and militia are marching out as I write; and a caisson that came in an hour ago has just passed our door, returning to the field. Of course the city is full of rumors, and no one yet knows what has occurred. I presume it was only distant shelling, as no wounded men have been brought in.

It is reported that the enemy captured Mr. Seddon’s family twenty-five miles distant,—also Gen. Wise’s. To-morrow we shall know more; but no uneasiness is felt as to the result. In a few hours we can muster men enough to defend the city against 25,000.

A letter from Gen. Whiting suggests that martial law be proclaimed in North Carolina, as a Judge Pearson—a traitor, he thinks—is discharging men who have in conscripts as substitutes, on the ground that the act of Congress is unconstitutional. The President suggest a General Order, etc., complying with Gen. W.’s request.

Col. A. C. Myers, late Quartermaster-General, writes again, indignantly resenting the President’s indorsement, etc. as unfounded and injurious, etc.

The President indorses this letter as follows: “Unless this letter is designed to ask whether Col. M. is still in the army, or discharged by the appointment of a successor, I find nothing which changes the case since my indorsement referred to, as causing resentment and calling for vindication. Your orders were certainly official communications. Not having seen them, I can express no opinion upon their terms.—Jefferson Davis.”

Monday, 29th–The rebels drove in our pickets again last night and there was some skirmishing, but when we commenced cannonading they fell back. General McPherson has his headquarters here in a fine residence, and I am one of three men who have to walk the beat in front of his headquarters; we had the same duty the entire expedition, when his headquarters was in a residence or in his tent in bivouac.

February, Monday 29, 1864

The last day of Winter—Gloomy, oh, mercy how dreary, sleeting all day, the shrubery is all bowed to the earth with the weight of Ice—all nature is crowned with it, yet it is so gloomy out. There is some happiness in our household, the two children Mamie and Robert are all life, though like all children, troublesome and noisy from their imprisonment. Father and Cousin Frazor have spent the day reading in the Parlor, while we have, as women generally are, buisy sewing. I fixed Laura’s new dress waiste . The Servants have done little except to try to keep warm and keep fires in the house. We have seen no one today, therefore have heard nothing later from our glorious Victory. God bless our noble soldiers, and protect them from this miserable bad weather—

Tate and Cousin Sallie both very much disapointed not being able to go to Memphis. Laura and I as usual sat up late. I drew the pattern on my swiss to braide , she ruffling her Apron—I finished the book of Luke.

Feb. 2, 1864—Meet Chaplains. Prayer meeting at Bro. Booker’s chapel. Write to Henry and his mother. Eight years old today!

Feb. 4—Walk to Battle’s Brigade and see Bros. Currin and Rutledge, Chaplains. Walk to saw mill and thence to 12th North Carolina. Bro. Evans spends night with me.

Feb. 5—Preach in Bro. Booker’s chapel in a. m. Bro. Robbins in Bro. Butler’s at night. Bro. Robbins spends night with me.

Feb. 6, 1864—Revs. F. H. Wood and J. H. Colton arrive. I get a ream of heavy paper. The manufacturers in Wake County sent it to me, at my request, to be given to the men of my Regiment for writing paper. Sheets were very large. Yankees cross Rapidan and our men repel them.

Sunday, Feb. 7—As my Regiment did not return from picket, I go to see provost guard and prisoners and worship with them. One is to be shot.

Feb. 9—Meet Chaplains in Presbyterian Church at Orange Court House. Dr. Witherspoon preaches. Gen. Lee is there. Bro. Harding preaches for me at night.

Feb. 10—I divided a large lot of paper with my men. Bro. Evans, 4th Ga., preaches for me at night.

Feb. 11—Bro. Gwaltney preaches at night.

Feb. 12—Bro. Jones, 25th Va., preaches.

Feb. 13—Bro. Nelson, 44th Va., preaches. Dr. Grissom is in camp.

Feb. 14—Preach to my Regiment.

Feb. 16—Snow on the ground. Bro. Lee, 5th Va., comes to see me and prays with me.

Feb. 17—Bitter cold.

Feb. 18—Still bitter cold.

Feb. 19—At night. Bros. Anderson, Evans, and Power join me and my Regiment in the Lord’s Supper.

Feb. 20—Regiment goes on picket.

Feb. 21—Preach to 2nd Regiment in a. m., and to 4th at night. Dr. Lloyd spends night with me.

Feb. 22—Start to North Carolina.

Feb. 23—Meet Dr. Craven in Raleigh.

Feb. 24—Get home to breakfast. A. H. Merritt calls and shows us kindness.

Feb. 25—Ride with family to Merritt’s Chapel. Meet Rev. J. B. Martin. Preach for him. Pay two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) for a cow.

Feb. 26-7—At home.

Feb. 28—Hear Rev. R. A. Willis preach twice in M. E. Church.

Feb. 29—Build pen for cow and calf. Bro. Willis sups with us. God keep my family, now and forever.